Fastening system for securing objects within a container

Abstract

The fastening system (1) for securing objects within a container comprises at least one fastening device (2) inserted, in use, within a containment compartment (3) of a container (4), wherein the fastening device (2) comprises at least one inflatable body (5) and wherein: the fastening device (2) is movable between at least one working configuration, wherein the inflatable body (5) traps pressurized air inside it and increases its own volume, by at least partly adapting its conformation to occupy, in use, the volume left free by the objects (6) contained in the compartment (3), securing these objects, and at least one home configuration, wherein the inflatable body (5) leaves the air free to flow outside it, thus reducing its own volume to free the objects (6) contained in the compartment (3); the inflatable body (5) comprises connecting means (7) to pumping means (8) configured to dispense a pressurized air flow within the same inflatable body to move the fastening device (2) to the working configuration.

Description

[0001] FASTENING SYSTEM FOR SECURING OBJECTS WITHIN A CONTAINER

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a fastening system for securing objects within a container. Art

[0004] Certain fastening systems are known for securing objects within a container, which are used to prevent such objects from moving freely within the container.

[0005] In particular, such systems are widely used in the field of packaging for the transport of products in order to meet the need to safely transport certain types of objects, such as very delicate and / or valuable objects.

[0006] For example, some of these systems use the so-called “bubble wrap” or similar devices that are inserted within the container used to transport one or more objects to be preserved.

[0007] Other well-known systems are used for travel suitcases.

[0008] In particular, these systems use one or more straps to tie down the contents of the suitcase, holding them in place.

[0009] In addition, some systems use dividers for the purpose to confine certain objects within special pockets in the suitcase.

[0010] However, these systems do have some drawbacks.

[0011] In fact, known systems are rarely able to hold the objects contained in the container firmly in place.

[0012] In particular, bubble wrap or similar solutions cushion any impacts that the objects may suffer inside the box, without however completely preventing the objects from displacing.

[0013] Furthermore, these systems are very cumbersome when not in use.

[0014] Similarly, straps or dividers only partly restrict the movement of objects, which still retain a certain degree of freedom of movement within the suitcase.

[0015] This drawback is particularly evident with clothing which, despite straps or dividers, often becomes wrinkled during transport.

[0016] In addition, the effectiveness of the systems of known type is drastically reduced for objects with very irregular shapes that are difficult to hold in place with straps, dividers, bubble wrap and the like.

[0017] Description of the Invention

[0018] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a fastening system for securing objects within a container that allows these objects to be locked securely in place, preventing them from moving within the container.

[0019] An additional object of the present invention is to devise a fastening system for securing objects within a container that allows such objects to be locked securely in place regardless of their shape.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to devise a fastening system for securing objects within a container that allows the creasing of garments within the container to be significantly reduced.

[0021] An additional object of the present invention is to devise a fastening system for securing objects within a container that allows it to be stored in a very small space when not in use.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to devise a fastening system for securing objects within a container that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome with a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0023] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present system having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0024] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present process having the characteristics of claim 10.

[0025] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a fastening system for securing objects within a container, illustrated by way an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the system according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is another axonometric view of the system according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the system according to the invention in which the fastening device is in the home configuration;

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the system according to the invention in which the fastening device is in the working configuration;

[0030] Figure 5 is another axonometric view of the system according to the invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is a view from above of a component of the system according to the invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the component shown in Figure 6 in the home configuration;

[0033] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the component shown in Figure 6 in the working configuration.

[0034] Embodiments of the Invention

[0035] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a fastening system for securing objects within a container.

[0036] The fastening system 1 for securing objects within a container comprises at least one fastening device 2 inserted, in use, within a compartment 3 for the containment of a container 4.

[0037] In particular, the fastening device 2 comprises at least one inflatable body 5 and is movable between at least one working configuration and at least one home configuration.

[0038] More specifically, in the working configuration, the inflatable body 5 traps pressurized air inside it and increases its own volume, by at least partly adapting its conformation to occupy, in use, the volume left free by the objects 6 contained in the compartment 3, securing these objects.

[0039] In other words, in this configuration, the inflatable body 5 expands inside the container 4, occupying the free space inside the compartment 3.

[0040] In this way, the inflatable body 5 abuts in pressure against one or more internal walls 13 of the container 4 and / or the objects 6 contained in the container 4, preventing these from moving within the compartment 3, e.g. due to the movement of the container 4. Usefully, if the container 4 is empty, i.e., it does not contain any objects 6, the inflatable body 5 in the working configuration occupies the volume of the compartment 3, e.g., by filling it substantially in its entirety.

[0041] In the home configuration, on the other hand, the inflatable body 5 leaves the air free to flow outside it, thus reducing its own volume to free the objects 6 contained in the compartment 3.

[0042] In other words, in this configuration, the inflatable body 5 is contracted and allows the objects 6 contained in the compartment 3 to move.

[0043] In particular, in the home configuration, the inflatable body 5 is freely flexible.

[0044] Preferably, in the home configuration, the inflatable body 5 is substantially devoid of air inside.

[0045] Advantageously, the inflatable body 5 is at least partly made of flexible and / or elastically deformable material. Therefore, in the home configuration, the inflatable body 5 is compressible to minimize the volume occupied and / or to expel the air.

[0046] In the working configuration, however, the inflatable body 5 is substantially rigid or semi-rigid due to the effect of the pressurized air filling it, so as to substantially secure the objects 6.

[0047] According to the invention, the inflatable body 5 comprises connecting means 7 to pumping means 8 configured to dispense a pressurized air flow within the same inflatable body to move the fastening device 2 to the working configuration.

[0048] Advantageously, the inflatable body 5 comprises a plurality of inflatable cells 9 connected to each other in a fluid-operated manner.

[0049] Furthermore, each of the cells 9 increases and decreases its volume in the working configuration and in the home configuration, respectively.

[0050] Preferably, in the following disclosure, what is described for a single cell 9 is considered valid for all cells 9.

[0051] Appropriately, the cells 9 are substantially identical to each other.

[0052] In particular, in the working configuration, the cell 9 develops longitudinally along one direction of extension A, preferably straight.

[0053] More specifically, in this configuration, the cell 9 extends along the direction of extension A by a length of between a minimum length and a maximum length.

[0054] Even more specifically, this length of extension depends on the free volume of the compartment 3.

[0055] In fact, in the working configuration, the cell 9 stops its expansion when it abuts against the objects 6 contained in the compartment 3 and / or one or more internal walls 13 of the container 4.

[0056] Preferably, in the working configuration, the cell 9 develops along the direction of extension A, e.g. with a constant cross-section.

[0057] In the home configuration, on the other hand, the cell 9 is substantially emptied and substantially freely compressible.

[0058] In particular, in the working configuration, the cells 9 extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0059] In other words, in the working configuration, the cells 9 extend along their respective directions of extension A substantially parallel to each other.

[0060] In particular, the cell 9 comprises a containment wall 35 provided with one or more expansion profiles 36 that divide the wall itself into one or more expansion sections 37. Furthermore, the expansion profile 36 has greater elasticity and / or lower rigidity than the expansion section 37.

[0061] In this way, in the working configuration, the expansion profile 36 tends to extend along the direction of extension A by a greater length than the expansion section 37.

[0062] This expedient allows the cell 9 to take on a substantially telescopic shape in the working configuration.

[0063] In the home configuration, on the other hand, the expansion profile 36 and the expansion section 37 give the respective cell 9 a substantially flat and / or stepped conformation at the expansion profile 36.

[0064] In particular, the containment wall 35 has a reduced thickness at the expansion profile 36 compared to the thickness of the expansion section 37.

[0065] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the expansion sections 37 do have greater elasticity and / or less rigidity than the expansion profile 36. In this way, in the working configuration, the expansion sections 37 tend to extend along the direction of extension A by a greater length than the expansion profile 36. In particular, in this case, the containment wall 35 has a reduced thickness at the expansion sections 37 compared to the thickness of the expansion profile 36.

[0066] Usefully, the fastening device 2 comprises at least one base portion 10 and the cells 9 are associated with the base portion 10, protruding from the latter.

[0067] In particular, in the working configuration, the cells 9 extend cantilevered from the base portion 10, extending along their respective directions of extension A.

[0068] Preferably, the inflatable body 5 comprises the base portion 10.

[0069] In this case, the base portion 10 also increases and reduces its volume in the working configuration and in the home configuration, respectively.

[0070] Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that the cells 9 are connected to each other via the base portion 10 in a fluid-operated manner.

[0071] Usefully, the base portion 10 comprises: a first face 11 on which the cells 9 are associated; a second face 12 opposite the first face 11.

[0072] Furthermore, the second face 12 is arranged, in use, to rest on an internal wall 13 of the container 4 bounding the compartment 3.

[0073] Advantageously, the first face 11 and / or the second face 12 are substantially flat, at least in use.

[0074] In particular, the faces 11, 12 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0075] Preferably, in the working configuration, the base portion 10 defines an air cushion enclosed between the faces 12, 13.

[0076] Conveniently, each of the cells 9 comprises a base profile 14 dividing it from the other cells 9 and an expandable body 15 starting from the base profile 14.

[0077] In other words, in the working configuration, the expandable body 15 of the cell 9 extends along the direction of extension A starting from its base profile 14. Preferably, the expandable body 15 protrudes cantilevered from the base portion 10, preferably from the first face 11.

[0078] Advantageously, the inflatable body 5 comprises at least one main portion 27 comprising at least the cells 9.

[0079] Preferably, the main portion 27 also comprises the base portion 10.

[0080] In particular, the inflatable body 5 comprises at least one auxiliary portion 28 and a valve assembly 29 that connects the main portion 27 to the auxiliary portion 28 in a fluid-operated manner.

[0081] Usefully, the auxiliary portion 28 at least partly surrounds the base portion 10.

[0082] Conveniently, the valve assembly 29 is configured to allow and / or prevent the passage of air between the main portion 27 and the auxiliary portion 28 depending on the air pressure inside the main portion 27, on the air pressure inside the auxiliary portion 28, and / or on the external air pressure.

[0083] In particular, the valve assembly 29 is configured to allow air to pass from the main portion 27 to the auxiliary portion 28 when the external air pressure drops below a predefined critical pressure value.

[0084] In this way, the valve assembly 29 is configured to maintain the volume of the main portion 27 constant.

[0085] It cannot be ruled out that the valve assembly 29 may be configured to allow air to pass from the main portion 27 to the auxiliary portion 28 when the external air pressure exceeds the pressure inside the main portion 27 by a predefined pressure value.

[0086] In this way, the valve assembly 29 is configured to maintain the internal pressure of the main portion 27 substantially equal to the external pressure. In this way, the volume of the cells 9 remains substantially constant even following external pressure variations, e.g. caused by an increase in altitude.

[0087] This expedient allows for example the fastening device 2 to be transported through environments with different atmospheric pressures, such as an airplane, preventing the volume of the main portion 27 from increasing beyond a limit volume that could damage the fastening device 2.

[0088] In fact, when the external pressure exceeds the pressure inside the main portion 27 by the predefined value, the valve assembly 29 allows the air to fill the auxiliary portion 28.

[0089] In other words, the auxiliary portion 28 inflates in order to absorb the increase in volume of the main portion 27, preventing any damage or breakage. Usefully, the valve assembly 29 is of the passive type. In other words, the valve assembly 29 does not require any type of power supply to operate.

[0090] It cannot be ruled out that the fastening device 2 may comprise a shock absorber device, such as a gas spring and / or an elastic piston, connected to the inflatable body 5 in a fluid-operated manner to absorb / cushion any increase in volume within the inflatable body 5 itself, e.g. caused by an increase in altitude.

[0091] In this way, an increase in volume inside the inflatable body 5 compresses / loads the shock absorber device elastically. As a result, the increase in volume of the inflatable body 5 is significantly limited.

[0092] Conversely, a decrease in volume inside the inflatable body 5, e.g. caused by a reduction in altitude, releases / unloads the shock absorber device. As a result, the reduction in volume of the inflatable body 5 is significantly limited.

[0093] In other words, the shock absorber device allows the volume variations of the inflatable body 5 to be limited, substantially tending to maintain this volume substantially constant.

[0094] Appropriately, the base profile 14 is made on and / or defined by the first face 11.

[0095] In particular, the base profile 14 has a hexagonal shape.

[0096] More specifically, the base profiles 14 are arranged to form a honeycomb structure.

[0097] Advantageously, the fastening device 2 comprises pumping means 8 connected to the inflatable body 5 in a fluid-operated manner by means of the connecting means 7. Therefore, in use, the pumping means 8 are arranged within the compartment 3.

[0098] Usefully, the pumping means 8 are built within the fastening device 2.

[0099] Preferably, the pumping means 8 comprise at least one compressor and / or one or more CO2 or compressed air cartridges.

[0100] Further embodiments of the system 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the pumping means 8 may be connected to the fastening device 2 in a removable manner by means of the connecting means 7.

[0101] Conveniently, the fastening device 2 comprises valve means 16 connected to the inflatable body 5 in a fluid-operated manner and operable to allow and prevent, respectively, the escape of air outside the inflatable body 5.

[0102] Preferably, the valve means 16 are configured to allow air to escape from the inflatable body 5 in order to move the fastening device 2 to the home configuration.

[0103] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the valve means 16 may be manually operated by a user of the system 1.

[0104] Preferably, the valve means 16 are built into the pumping means 8. Usefully, the system 1 comprises command means 17, 18 of the fastening device 2.

[0105] In other words, the command means 17, 18 are configured to move the fastening device 2 between the working configuration and the home configuration.

[0106] In particular, the command means 17, 18 are configured to transmit at least one command signal to at least one of either the pumping means 8 or the valve means 16 to turn on and off at least one of the latter.

[0107] Advantageously, the command means 17, 18 comprise at least one remote command device 17 usable by a user to transmit the command signal remotely, in a wireless mode.

[0108] In other words, the command device 17 is operationally connected remotely, in a wireless mode, to the fastening device 2 to command the operation thereof.

[0109] In particular, the command device 17 is of the type of an electronic command device, preferably portable, such as e.g. a smartphone.

[0110] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the command device 17 may be of the type of a PC, a smartwatch, a tablet, a remote control or the like.

[0111] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one command software executable by the command device 17 to command the operation of the fastening device 2.

[0112] Conveniently, the command device 17 comprises linking means 33 to the Internet.

[0113] In particular, the command device 17 and / or the fastening device 2 comprises and / or is operationally connected, preferably via the Internet, to artificial intelligence software. Preferably, the software is comprised in the fastening device 2.

[0114] More specifically, the artificial intelligence software is configured to acquire and / or process the operational data of the command means 17, 18, of the pumping means 8, of the sensor means 26, of the valve means 16 and / or of the valve assembly 29 (some of which are introduced later in this disclosure).

[0115] It cannot be ruled out that the artificial intelligence software may be configured to acquire operational data from the detection sensors and / or from the location means (introduced later on in this disclosure).

[0116] Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that the artificial intelligence software may be configured to process one or more of the data / information stored in the storage means 34.

[0117] It cannot be ruled out that the artificial intelligence software is configured to acquire and / or process travel data, such as location, frequency, duration, mode of transport, indicated by the user and / or acquired / processed from the operational data of the command means 17, 18, of the pumping means 8, of the sensor means 26, of the valve means 16 and / or of the valve assembly 29.

[0118] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence software is configured to command, preferably via the command means 17, 18, e.g. automatically or semi -automatically, the fastening device 2 depending on the acquired operational data.

[0119] In other words, the artificial intelligence software is configured to recognize / identify one or more patterns of use of the fastening device 2, e.g. one or more travel patterns.

[0120] In this way, the artificial intelligence software is configured to predict the operation of the fastening device 2 and to command it based on this prediction and / or one or more operational patterns, e.g., via a customized inflation / deflation profile of the inflatable body 5.

[0121] Advantageously, the artificial intelligence software is trained via the Internet, e.g. via the cloud.

[0122] Usefully, the command device 17 and / or the fastening device 2 comprises location means 32 configured to detect the position of the command device 17 itself.

[0123] Preferably, the location means are of the GPS, GPRS, or similar type.

[0124] It cannot be ruled out that the location means may rely on Bluetooth proximity technology.

[0125] In particular, the system 1 comprises data storage means 34 configured to store one or more operational data of the system itself.

[0126] Preferably, the operational data are of the type of the number of activations and / or deactivations of the fastening device 2, of the time / day / year of activation and / or deactivation of the fastening device 2, of the operating time of the fastening device at the place of operation of the fastening device 2.

[0127] In particular, the storage means 34 are configured to store a plurality of interrelated operational data. For example, each activation and / or deactivation is stored in relation to the place of activation and / or the time / day / year when such activation has occurred. Preferably, the storage means 34 are of the type of a server or the like, e.g. operationally connected to the command device 17 in a wireless mode (via the linking means 33), to the fastening device 2 and / or to other components of the system 1.

[0128] It cannot be ruled out that the command device 17 may be configured to store the operational data, preferably in a manner similar to what described with reference to the storage means 34.

[0129] Conveniently, the command means 17, 18 comprise at least one command unit 18 mounted on the fastening device 2 and usable by a user to transmit the command signal. It cannot be ruled out that the command device 17 may be operationally connected remotely, in a wireless mode, to the command unit 18 to transmit the command signal. Conveniently, the fastening device 2 comprises: sensor means 26 configured to detect air pressure inside and / or outside the inflatable body 5; control means 19 configured to turn on and off at least one of either the pumping means 8 or the valve means 16 depending on the pressure detected by the sensor means 26.

[0130] Preferably, the control means 19 coincide with the command unit 18.

[0131] In particular, the sensor means 26 comprise at least one pressure sensor and / or at least one height sensor.

[0132] In particular, the control means 19 are configured to adjust, preferably automatically, the air pressure inside the inflatable body 5.

[0133] More specifically, the control means 19 are configured to turn on and off at least one of either the pumping means 8 or the valve means 16 to maintain the air pressure inside the inflatable body 5, preferably of the main portion 27, constant at a predefined value, e.g. substantially equal to the threshold pressure value.

[0134] It cannot be ruled out that the control means 19 may be configured to turn on and off at least one of either the pumping means 8 or the valve means 16 to maintain the air volume inside the inflatable body 5, preferably of the main portion 27, constant at a predefined value.

[0135] In this way, any increases and decreases in air pressure inside or outside the inflatable body 5, preferably the main portion 27, are offset, preferably automatically, by the control means 19.

[0136] This expedient allows e.g. the fastening device 2 to be transported through environments with different atmospheric pressures, such as an airplane, while maintaining the air volume and / or pressure inside the inflatable body 5 constant at a predefined value.

[0137] Furthermore, this expedient allows the pressure inside the main portion 27 to be restored following a drop in pressure caused by the valve assembly 29.

[0138] Appropriately, the fastening device 2 comprises at least one electric battery 20 configured to power the fastening device itself, enabling the operation thereof.

[0139] Preferably, the battery 20 is built into the fastening device 2, preferably with the compressor.

[0140] In particular, the battery 20 is of the lithium-ion type certified according to the UN 38.3 standard or LiFeP04 lithium (lithium iron phosphate).

[0141] More specifically, the battery 20 is 3000 mAh.

[0142] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the battery 20 may be of the Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) or Graphene type.

[0143] Conveniently, the battery 20 is of the rechargeable and / or removable type.

[0144] Usefully, the fastening device 2 comprises safety means 30 configured to enable and disable the pumping means 8, so as to allow and prevent the activation thereof, respectively.

[0145] For example, the safety means 30 are configured to disable the pumping means 8 in the event of the fastening device 2 being carried on board an aircraft in order to prevent accidental activation of the same pumping means 8 in compliance with airline safety regulations.

[0146] Preferably, the safety means 30 can be commanded by the user of the system 1, e.g. via the command device 17.

[0147] Advantageously, the fastening device 2, e.g. the safety means 30, comprises one or more detection sensors, e.g. of the inertial, position, accelerometric, movement or similar type, configured to detect the movement or position on the ground of the fastening device 2, e.g. to activate or enable the pumping means 8 accordingly.

[0148] In this way, for example, the control means 19 restore the pressure inside the main portion 27 substantially automatically when the fastening device 2 is on the ground.

[0149] It cannot be ruled out that the system 1 may comprise a plurality of inflatable bodies 4, e.g. arranged opposite each other and preferably connected to each other in a fluid- operated manner.

[0150] It cannot be ruled out that the system 1 may comprise a plurality of fastening devices 2 arranged, in use, to occupy different positions within the compartment 3.

[0151] Usefully, the container 4 is of the type of a package used for packaging and shipping goods, such as a cargo box, a backpack, a belt bag, a bag or the like.

[0152] Advantageously,

[0153] In particular, the fastening device 2 defines, with its components, a closed cybernetic system that self-regulates based on the environmental conditions and user behavior. Advantageously, the system 1 comprises the container 4.

[0154] Furthermore, the container 4 comprises: at least one containment portion 21 defining the compartment 3; at least one closure portion 22 adapted to close and open the container itself to prevent and allow, respectively, the access to the compartment 3. In addition, the system 1, when in use, encloses the fastening device 2 within the closed container 4 in the working configuration.

[0155] Usefully, the fastening device 2 is associated with the container 4.

[0156] Preferably, the fastening device 2 is built into the container 4.

[0157] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the fastening device 2 may be coupled to the container 4 in a removable manner.

[0158] Furthermore, it cannot be ruled that the fastening device 2 may be detached from the container 4 and be inserted into the latter when necessary.

[0159] Advantageously, the containment portion 21 comprises at least one bottom wall 23 and at least one side wall 25 which defines the compartment 3 with the bottom wall 23.

[0160] Appropriately, the closure portion 22 comprises a top wall 24 facing, when the container 4 is closed, the interior of the compartment 3, preferably opposite and / or parallel to the bottom wall 23.

[0161] Preferably, at least one of the bottom wall 23, the side wall 25 or the top wall 24 defines an internal wall 13 of the container 4.

[0162] Usefully, the fastening device 2 is associated with the bottom wall 23 and / or with the top wall 24.

[0163] In particular, the second face 12 is associated with and / or built into the bottom wall 23 and / or the top wall 24.

[0164] According to a possible, but not exclusive, embodiment of the system 1, the container 4 is a suitcase.

[0165] Further embodiments of the system 1 in which the container 4 is a packaging for transporting objects cannot however be ruled out.

[0166] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises anti-tampering means 31 configured to detect, e.g. by means of sensors, the opening of the container 4.

[0167] Preferably, the anti-tampering means 31 comprise a camera for capturing an image / video of the subject who opened the container 4 and for transmitting, e.g. via the Internet, such image / video to a remote device, preferably to the command device 17 and / or to the storage means 34.

[0168] Preferably, the anti -tampering means 31 are mounted on the base portion 10, e.g. on the second face 12.

[0169] It cannot be ruled out that the artificial intelligence software may be configured to manage / tum on the anti -tampering means 31.

[0170] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process for using a fastening system 1 for securing objects within a container, comprising at least the phases of: supplying at least one system 1; closing the container 4 with the fastening device 2 arranged within the compartment 3; moving the fastening device 2 to the working configuration.

[0171] Appropriately, the process comprises a phase of placing one or more objects 6 within the compartment 3.

[0172] In particular, the process comprises the phase of closing followed by the phase of moving the fastening device 2 to the working configuration with the container 4 substantially closed.

[0173] In particular, this movement operation is performed remotely via the command device 17.

[0174] Advantageously, the process comprises a phase of arranging the fastening device 2 within the compartment 3.

[0175] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0176] In particular, it should be noted that the inflatable body allows these objects to be secured firmly in place, preventing these from moving within the container, regardless of the shape of the objects themselves.

[0177] In addition, the inflatable body significantly reduces the creasing of the garments within the container.

[0178] Furthermore, moving the inflatable body from the working configuration to the home configuration allows the system to be stored in a very small space when not in use.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Fastening system (1) for securing objects within a container, comprising at least one fastening device (2) inserted, in use, within a containment compartment (3) of a container (4), characterized by the fact that said fastening device (2) comprises at least one inflatable body (5) and characterized by the fact that: said fastening device (2) is movable between at least one working configuration, wherein said inflatable body (5) traps pressurized air inside it and increases its own volume, by at least partly adapting its conformation to occupy, in use, the volume left free by the objects (6) contained in the compartment (3), securing these objects, and at least one home configuration, wherein said inflatable body (5) leaves the air free to flow outside it, thus reducing its own volume to free the objects (6) contained in the compartment (3); said inflatable body (5) comprises connecting means (7) to pumping means (8) configured to dispense a pressurized air flow within the same inflatable body to move said fastening device (2) to said working configuration.2) System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that, in said working configuration, said cell (9) develops longitudinally along one direction of extension (A) by a length of between a minimum length and a maximum length, wherein such length of extension depends on the free volume of the compartment (3), said cell (9) stopping its expansion when it abuts against the objects (6) contained in the compartment (3) and / or one or more internal walls (13) of the container (4).3) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that: in said working configuration, said cell (9) develops along the direction of extension (A); in said home configuration, said cell (9) is substantially emptied and substantially freely compressible.4) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said cell (9) comprises a containment wall (35) provided with one or more expansion profiles (36) that divide the wall itself into one or more expansion sections (37), said expansion profile (36) having greater elasticity and / or lower rigidity than said expansion section (37) and characterized by the fact that, in said working configuration, said expansion profile (36) tends to extend along said direction of extension (A) by a greater length than said expansion section (37).5) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said inflatable body (5) comprises a plurality of inflatable cells (9) connected to each other in a fluid-operated manner, each of said cells (9) increasing and decreasing its volume in said working configuration and in said home configuration, respectively.6) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, in said working configuration, said cells (9) extend substantially parallel to each other.7) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each of said cells (9) comprises a base profile (14) dividing it from the other cells (9) and an expandable body (15) starting from said base profile (14).8) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said base profile (14) has a hexagonal shape, said base profiles (14) being arranged to form a honeycomb structure.9) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said cells (9) are substantially identical to each other.10) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said inflatable body (5) comprises: at least one main portion (27) comprising at least said cells (9); at least one auxiliary portion (28); at least one valve assembly (29) that connects said main portion (27) to said auxiliary portion (28) in a fluid-operated manner, said valve assembly (29) being configured to allow and / or prevent the passage of air between said main portion (27) and said auxiliary portion (28) depending on the air pressure inside said main portion (27), on the air pressure inside said auxiliary portion (28) and / or on the external air pressure.11) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said valve assembly (29) is of the passive type.12) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said valve assembly (29) is configured to allow air to pass from said main portion (27) to said auxiliary portion (28) when the external air pressure drops below a predefined critical pressure value.13) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fastening device (2) comprises at least one base portion (10) and said cells (9) are associated with said base portion (10), protruding from the latter.14) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said auxiliary portion (28) at least partly surrounds said base portion (10).15) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fastening device (2) comprises said pumping means (8) connected to said inflatable body (5) in a fluid-operated manner through said connecting means (7).16) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fastening device (2) comprises valve means (16) connected to said inflatable body (5) in a fluid-operated manner and operable to allow and prevent, respectively, the escape of air outside said inflatable body (5).17) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fastening device (2) comprises: sensor means (26) configured to detect air pressure inside and / or outside said inflatable body (5); control means (19) configured to turn on and off at least one of either the pumping means (8) or said valve means (16) depending on the pressure detected by said sensor means (26).18) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises command means (17, 18) of said fastening device (2), said command means (17, 18) being configured to transmit at least one command signal to at least one of either said pumping means (8) or said valve means (16) to turn on and off at least one of the latter.19) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command means (17, 18) comprise at least one remote command device (17) usable by a user to transmit said command signal remotely, in a wireless mode.20) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one command software executable by said command device (17) to command the operation of said fastening device (2).21) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command device (17) comprises linking means (33) to the Internet.22) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said command device (17) comprises location means (32) configured to detect the position of the command device (17) itself.23) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises data storage means (34) configured to store one or more operational data of the system itself.24) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said operational data are of the type of the number of activations and / or deactivations of said fastening device (2), of the time / day / year of activation and / or deactivation of said fastening device (2), of the operating time of said fastening device (2) and / or of the place of operation of said fastening device (2).25) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises said container (4) and by the fact that: said container (4) comprises:- at least one containment portion (21) defining said compartment (3);- at least one closure portion (22) adapted to close and open the container itself to prevent and allow, respectively, the access to said compartment (3); said system (1), in use, enclosing said fastening device (2) within said closed container (4) in said working configuration.26) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fastening device (12) is associated with said container (4).27) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said container (4) is a suitcase or a backpack.28) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fastening device (2) comprises at least one electric battery (20) configured to power the fastening device itself, enabling the operation thereof.29) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said battery (20) is of the lithium-ion type certified according to the UN 38.3 standard or LiFeP04 lithium (lithium iron phosphate).30) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said battery (20) is of the Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) or Graphene type.31) Process for using a fastening system for securing objects within a container, comprising at least the phases of: supplying at least one system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims; closing said container (4) with said fastening device (2) arranged within said compartment (3); moving said fastening device (2) to said working configuration.

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