Stackable suitcase, arrangement comprising two suitcases stacked one above the other and method for stacking two suitcases

Abstract

A suitcase for stacking with a further suitcase, comprising a contact surface for stacking the further suitcase, at least one coupling part which can be brought together with a matching coupling part of the further suitcase to form a plug-in connection, wherein the coupling part is aligned such that the plug-in connection to the matching coupling part is formed by displacing the further suitcase along the contact surface. At least one locking element is provided to secure the plug-in connection against being released, wherein the locking element can be displaced from an initial position to an intermediate or end position, and in the initial position is in a receiving region for the additional suitcase, which is used when placing the further suitcase on the contact surface. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising at least two suitcases stacked one above the other and a method for stacking at least two suitcases.

Claims

1. A stackable suitcase, comprising: an underside (42); a top side (41) arranged at a height above the underside (42); a front side (43) extending vertically from the underside (42) to the top side (41); a rear side (44) extending vertically from the underside (42) to the top side (41) at a longitudinal distance from the front side (43); two foot strips (22) extending transversely across the underside (42) longitudinally spaced from one another; a setback (21) formed in the underside (42), the setback (21) extending transversely across the underside (42) between the two foot strips (22); a bottom surface (14) extending transversely across the top side (41) along the front side (43); two cross-ribs (6, 7) extending transversely across the top side (41) longitudinally spaced from one another; a cross-groove (5) extending transversely across the top side (41) between the two cross-ribs (6,7); a first coupling part (10, 10a) extending forwardly from a first of the two cross-ribs above the bottom surface (14); a first counter-coupling part (28, 28a) extending rearwardly from a first of the two foot strips above the setback; and a locking element (18) which is movable parallel to the front side (43) and extends upwardly above the bottom surface, the locking element (18) being arranged forwardly of the first of the two foot strips.

2. The stackable suitcase as in claim 1, wherein the locking element is spring-loaded and can be pushed against a spring force from an initial position, in which the locking element extends upwardly above the bottom surface, to an end position, in which the locking element is arranged below the first coupling part.

3. The stackable suitcase as in claim 1, wherein the first of the two cross-ribs (6) is arranged above the setback (21).

4. The stackable suitcase as in claim 3, wherein a width the first of the two cross-ribs (6) shorted than a width of the setback (21).

5. The stackable suitcase as in claim 1, wherein the first lower coupling part (28, 28a) and the first upper coupling part (10, 10a) overlap.

6. The stackable suitcase as in claim 1, wherein the underside (42) is arranged at the bottom of a lower part (4) and the top side (41) is arranged at a top of a lid part (2), the lower part (4) and the lid part (2) being connected by a hinge (3).

7. The stackable suitcase as in claim 6, wherein the hinge is arranged at the rear side (44).

8. The stackable suitcase as in claim 1, further comprising a carrying handle (19) arranged on the front side (43).

9. The stackable suitcase as in claim 8, wherein the locking element is arranged directly above the carrying handle.

10. A stackable suitcase, comprising: a lid part (2) having a top side (41); a lower part (4) having an underside (42), the lid part (2) and the lower part (4) being connected to one another; a front side (43) extending from the underside (42) to the top side (41); a rear side (44) extending from the underside (42) to the top side (41) at a longitudinal distance from the front side (43); a rear bottom surface (13) arranged on the top side (41) near the rear side (44); a rear coupling part (10) extending forwardly above the rear bottom surface (13) to form a rear plug-in opening accessible from the front; a front bottom surface (13) arranged on the top side (41) near the front side (43); a front coupling part (10) extending forwardly above the front bottom surface (13) to form a front plug-in opening (12) accessible from the front; a rear foot strip (22) arranged directly below the rear bottom surface (13); a rear counter-coupling part (24) extending rearwardly from the rear foot strip (22) directly below the rear plug-in opening; a front foot strip (22) arranged directly below the front bottom surface (13); a front counter-coupling part (28) extending rearwardly from the front foot strip (22) directly below the front plug-in opening; and a vertically displaceable locking member arranged on the front side (43).

11. The stackable suitcase as in claim 10, further comprising: a further rear plug-in opening (12) laterally spaced from the rear plug-in opening (12); a further front plug-in opening (12) laterally spaced from the front plug-in opening (12); a further rear counter-coupling part (25) extending rearwardly directly below the further rear plug-in opening (12); and a further front counter-coupling part (28) extending rearwardly directly below the further front plug-in opening.

12. The stackable suitcase as in claim 10, further comprising a carrying handle (19) pivotally connected on the front side (43) of the lower part (4).

13. The stackable suitcase as in claim 10, wherein the rear coupling part (10) and the front coupling part (10) are arranged in a common plane and wherein the rear bottom surface (13) and the front bottom surface (13) are arranged in a further common plane.

14. The stackable suitcase as in claim 10, wherein the stackable suitcase is configured to receive a like stackable suitcase by placing an underside of the like stackable suitcase onto the top side of the stackable suitcase and pushing the like stackable suitcase backwards until a rear counter-coupling part of the like stackable suitcase engages the rear plug-in opening and a front counter-coupling part of the like stackable suitcase engages the front plug-in opening.

15. The stackable suitcase as in claim 14, wherein the vertically displaceable locking member prevents forward movement of the like stackable suitcase.

16. The stackable suitcase as in claim 10, wherein the lid part (2) and the lower part (4) are pivotally connected to one another by a hinge (3).

Description

THE DRAWING SHOWS

(1) FIG. 1 a possible embodiment of a stackable suitcase in a perspective representation from above,

(2) FIG. 2 the suitcase according to FIG. 1 in a perspective representation from below,

(3) FIG. 3 a modification of the suitcase according to FIGS. 1 and 2, on which a further suitcase is stacked, in a first assembly state with regard to stacking, shown in a sectional representation of the two suitcases,

(4) FIG. 4 the two suitcases according to FIG. 3 in a second assembly state, in which the further suitcase is stacked on the suitcase,

(5) FIG. 5 the two suitcases according to FIG. 3 in a third assembly state, in which the further suitcase is stacked on the suitcase and brought into a fastening position against the suitcase,

(6) FIG. 6 a schematic representation of the locking principle, as it is evident from FIGS. 3 to 5,

(7) FIG. 7 the locking principle according to FIG. 6 in the locked state,

(8) FIG. 8 a further possible embodiment of a stackable suitcase having a locking element configured as a pivot lever, in a schematic representation, and

(9) FIG. 9 a further possible embodiment of a suitcase onto which a further suitcase is stacked, in a first assembly state with regard to stacking, shown in a sectional representation of the two suitcases.

(10) FIGS. 1 and 2in a schematic representationshow a possible embodiment of a stackable suitcase 1 in a perspective view from above (FIG. 1) and in a perspective view from below (FIG. 2). The suitcase 1 can be used for transporting and/or storing objects. For example, the suitcase 1 is a tool case, which serves for transporting and/or storing tools and/or material and/or equipment of a craftsman or technician, for example.

(11) The suitcase 1 has a top side 41, an underside 42, a front side 43, and a rear side 44. Preferably, the expanse of the suitcase 1 from the front side 43 to the rear side 44 forms a longitudinal expanse, which is also indicated as the Y direction in FIG. 1. Preferably, the expanse of the suitcase 1 from the underside 42 to the top side 41 forms a height expanse, which is indicated as the Z direction in FIG. 1. The expanse of the suitcase 1 transversely to the longitudinal expanse is indicated as the X direction in FIG. 1.

(12) Preferably, the suitcase 1 has a lid part 2 and a lower part 4 that can be covered by the lid part 2. Preferably, the top side 41 of the suitcase 1 is formed by the top side of the lid part 2, and the underside 42 of the suitcase 1 is formed by the underside of the lower part 4. The lid part 2 can be connected with the lower part 2 so as to pivot, for example can be mounted on the lower part 4, so as to pivot, by way of a hinge axle 3, particularly a horizontal axle, which is assigned to the rear side 44, for example. In order to secure the lid part 2 to prevent unintentional opening relative to the lower part 4, closure elements 16, such as closure latches, for example, can be provided. Preferably, the closure elements 16 are assigned to the front side 43.

(13) Preferably, the suitcase 1 has a carrying handle 19. Preferably, the carrying handle 19 is disposed on the front side 43, so that when the suitcase 1 is carried by the carrying handle 19, the rear side 44 faces downward. Preferably, the carrying handle 19 is mounted on the front side 43 so as to pivot. The carrying handle 19 can be assigned to the lower part 4 or to the lid part 2, in particular disposed on it. The suitcase 1 can have a contact surface on the front side 43, against which the carrying handle 19 is laid or can be laid. Preferably, the contact surface is offset toward the rear in the Y direction. Fundamentally, at least one further carrying handle can also be provided, which is assigned to the top side 41, for example.

(14) The suitcase 1 is suitable for stacking with at least one further suitcase. For this purpose, the suitcase 1 has a contact surface 13 for the further suitcase and at least one, preferably at least two coupling parts 10, 11, which can be brought together with a related counter-coupling part of the further suitcase, in each instance, forming a plug-in connection. FIG. 3 shows a further suitcase 1a, as an example, which can be stacked onto the suitcase 1. The further suitcase 1a has at least two counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, which can be brought together with the coupling part 10, 11 of the suitcase 1, forming a plug-in connection. During the course of the further description of the suitcase 1 with regard to the functions provided for stacking of a further suitcase, the suitcase 1a of FIG. 3 will already be referred to hereinafter. In the case of the suitcase 1, it is provided that the plug-in connection with the further suitcase 1a can only be carried out after the further suitcase 1a has been set onto the contact surface 13. For this purpose, the coupling parts 10, 11 are oriented in such a manner that the plug-in connection with the counter-coupling part 28a or 29a, in each instance, is formed by means of displacement of the further suitcase 1a along and/or on the contact surface 13.

(15) Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are oriented in the longitudinal direction or the Y direction in such a manner that the plug-in connection is formed by means of displacement of the further suitcase 1a away from the front side 43, in the direction toward the rear side 44 of the suitcase 1. For example, the coupling parts 10, 11 are configured as a plug-in holder, and the counter-coupling elements 28a, 29a are configured as a plug-in element, which can be inserted into the related plug-in holder through a plug-in opening 12. For example, the plug-in holder forms an engagement lug, and the plug-in element forms an engagement tab, which can be engaged against the engagement lug through the plug-in opening 12 that is configured as an engagement opening. For example, the engagement tab is formed by a lug or tab that projects outward on one side.

(16) Preferably, the plug-in elements or engagement tabs are configured to run in wedge shape in the insertion direction, so that the plug-in elements can be inserted into the related plug-in holders without play, and therefore the plug-in connection is secured to prevent displacement in the X direction and Y direction. Preferably, the plug-in holders or engagement lugs are profiled in wedge shape, corresponding to the plug-in elements. Furthermore, the respective plug-in element and the related plug-in holders are secured, relative to one another, to prevent them from being lifted off in the Z direction.

(17) Preferably, the contact surface 13 is assigned to the top side 41, in particular configured on the top side 41. Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are assigned to the top side 41, in particular configured on the top side 41. Preferably, the suitcase 1 has at least one, preferably two cross-ribs 6, 7 on the top side 41, which ribs run transversely to the longitudinal expanse of the suitcase 1, in each instance, in particular in the X direction, and each have a side surface 45 that projects outward and faces the front side 43.

(18) Preferably, the cross-ribs 6, 7 delimit a cross-groove 5 that runs between them. For example, the lid part 2 has an essentially flat part on its top side, which part has the cross-groove 5 in its center region and is delimited laterally by the cross-ribs 6, 7, which are configured to be elevated. By means of the cross-groove 5, a further suitcase, which is configured to be shorter in the longitudinal direction as compared with the suitcase 1a, can be stacked on, wherein then, the further suitcase can engage into or support itself in the cross-groove 5 and/or against the side surface 45 of the cross-rib 7 with its rear end, which faces the rear side 44 of the suitcase 1.

(19) Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction or X direction. Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are each connected with the cross-rib 6 or formed onto the cross-rib 6. Preferably, two further coupling parts 10, 11 are provided, which can each be brought together with a related further counter-coupling part 24a or 25a of the further suitcase 1a, forming a plug-in connection, and are oriented in such a manner that the plug-in connection with the related counter-coupling part 24a or 25a is formed by means of displacement of the further suitcase 1a along and/or on the contact surface 13. Preferably, the further coupling parts 10, 11 and the coupling parts 10, 11 are disposed to lie one behind the other with reference to the insertion direction for production of the plug-in connection, in other words in the Y direction.

(20) Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are disposed to border on a receiving region 8 for the further suitcase 1a, in particularly to border on the receiving region 8 in the Y direction. Preferably, the further coupling parts 10, 11 are disposed to border on the further receiving region 9 for the further suitcase 1a, in particular to border on the further receiving region 9 in the Y direction. Preferably, the receiving region 8 is disposed on the top side 41 in the front region, which is situated in the edge region toward the front side 43, for example. Preferably, the further receiving region 9 is disposed on the top side 41 in the rear region, which is situated in the edge region toward the rear side 44, for example.

(21) Preferably, the further suitcase 1a has a corresponding foot strip 22a, in each instance, which extends in the transverse direction or X direction, for example, and projects downward, in order to be held in the receiving region 8 and the further receiving region 9. The foot strip 22a can project so far downward, in each instance, that the further suitcase 1a is set down onto the bottom surface 14 of the receiving regions 8 and 9 by way of the foot strips 22a. The bottom surface 14 then forms the contact surface 13. Alternatively, the foot strip 22a can project so far downward, in each instance, that the further suitcase 1a is set down onto the cross-ribs 6, 7, and the foot strips 22a lie at a distance from the bottom surface 14 of the receiving regions 8 and 9 or also are set down on the bottom surface 14 of the receiving regions 8 and 9. In this case, the top side of the cross-ribs 6, 7 forms a contact surface for the further suitcase 1a, at least in part.

(22) Preferably, the foot strips 22a run transversely relative to the longitudinal expanse of the further suitcase 1a, and delimit a setback 21a that lies between them and is configured as a groove that runs transversely, for example. The setback 21a is provided for holding the cross-ribs 6, 7 of the suitcase 1, for example. Preferably, the foot strips 22a end approximately with the rear wall 23a and the front side 43a of the further suitcase 1a. Preferably, the foot strips 22a are configured to be continuous. Fundamentally, the foot strips 22a can also be present only in pieces, or can be eliminated entirely.

(23) Preferably, the underside 42 of the suitcase 1 is configured in accordance with the underside of the suitcase 1a, so that the suitcase 1 itself can be used for being stacked on top of a suitcase. Preferably, for this purpose the underside 42 of the suitcase 1 is structured to correspond to its top side 41. Preferably, for this purpose at least individual components described with reference to the further suitcase 1a, namely the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, the further counter-coupling parts 24a, 25a, the setback 21a, and the rear wall 23a are provided on the suitcase 1 as counter-coupling parts 28, 29, further counter-coupling parts 24, 25, setback 21, and rear wall 23.

(24) Furthermore, the suitcase 1 has at least one locking element 18 for securing the plug-in connection that can be formed by the coupling parts 10, 11 and the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, to prevent it from coming loose. The locking element 18 can be moved from an initial position A or rest position, which is shown in FIG. 1, into an intermediate or end position, and is situated in the initial position A in the receiving region 8 for the further suitcase 1a. As a result, it is possible that the locking element 18 is activated by the further suitcase 1a when the further suitcase 1a is set onto the contact surface 13. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the locking element 18 projects beyond the bottom surface 14 of the receiving region 8 in the initial position A, with an end 15. Preferably, in the intermediate or end position, the end 15 is lowered related to the initial position A.

(25) Preferably, the locking element 18 is assigned to the top side 41 and disposed in the region of the front side 43 of the suitcase 1, for example of the lid part 2. For example, the locking element 18 is disposed in a recess 17 on the front side 43.

(26) Preferably, the locking element 18 can be moved in spring-loaded manner. For example, the locking element 18 can be moved from the initial position A into the intermediate or end position counter to a spring force, so that the locking element 18 automatically moves back from the intermediate or end position into the initial position A by means of spring force.

(27) FIG. 3 shows a modification of the suitcase 1 in a sectional representation. As is evident from this, the locking element 18 can be configured as a locking slider, which can be displaced from the initial position A into the intermediate or end position. For this purpose, a holding part 32 or bottom part can be provided, which is assigned to the lid part 2, in particular connected with it or formed from it. The holding part 32 can be profiled in U shape or configured in cup shape, and a pressure spring 31 can be disposed in its recess that opens upward. The pressure spring 31 can support itself on the inside of a sliding part 30, in particular a sliding latch, which is guided on the holding part 32 so as to be displaceable.

(28) Preferably, stops are present, in order to prevent the sliding part 30 from being pushed out of the U-shaped profiled holding part 32 completely by the force of the pressure spring 31. Preferably, the sliding part 30 is configured in U shape or cup shape, and nested into the holding part 32 with its opening coming first, wherein the pressure spring 31 supports itself against the bottom surface of the sliding part 30.

(29) FIG. 3 shows a possible first assembly state with regard to stacking of the further suitcase 1a on the suitcase 1. FIG. 4 shows a possible second assembly state, and FIG. 5 shows a possible third assembly state. Components of the further suitcase 1a that are identical with or have the same function as components of the suitcase 1 are provided with the same reference symbols and the addition a. The further suitcase 1a can be a suitcase that has the same construction as the suitcase 1.

(30) In the first assembly state according to FIG. 3, the further suitcase 1a has been brought into a position, relative to the suitcase 1, so that the further suitcase 1a can be set onto the contact surface 13 of the suitcase 1 and the further suitcase 1a is held in the receiving regions 8, 9. In order to allow the further suitcase 1a to be set onto the suitcase 1, the further suitcase 1a is positioned, relative to the suitcase 1, offset in the direction of the Y axis to such an extent that during a set-down movement in the direction of the arrow 33, a collision of the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, 24a, 25a of the further suitcase 1a with the coupling parts 10, 11, 10, 11 of the suitcase 1 is prevented.

(31) The locking element 18 still lies in its initial position A, in which it is situated in the receiving region 8 for the further suitcase 1a. In the initial position A, the locking element 18 engages into a displacement path or a displacement segment W, over which the further suitcase 1a must be displaced relative to the suitcase 1, in order to arrive at formation of the plug-in connectionin the set-on state. In this regard, the locking element 18 assumes a blocking position S with regard to the displacement path W in the initial position A.

(32) During the course of a set-down movement of the further suitcase 1a in the direction of the arrow 33, activation of the locking element 18 by the further suitcase 1a takes place, in that the further suitcase 1a, for example with the one foot strip 22a, presses down on the locking element 18, and the locking element 18 is moved out of the initial position A into the intermediate or end position, counter to the force of the pressure spring 31. In the intermediate or end position, the locking element 18 is situated in a release position F, in which the locking element 18 opens up the displacement path W, so that displacement of the further suitcase 1a relative to the suitcase 1, to form the plug-in connection, is permitted. In the second assembly state according to FIG. 4, the locking element 18 has been brought into the release position F by the further suitcase 1a.

(33) In the locking position V, the locking element 18 therefore serves as a stop for the further suitcase 1a. On the further suitcase 1a, the region of the front side 43a, for example, which can be offset toward the rear in the Y direction, for example, serves as a corresponding stop surface 20a. The carrying handle 19, as described in FIG. 1, can lie against this stop surface 20a or be guided on it.

(34) During the course of the displacement movement of the further suitcase 1a relative to the suitcase 1 for forming the plug-in connection, the locking element 18 comes to lie against the stop surface 20a, for example. In the locking position V according to FIG. 5, the sliding part 30 therefore comes to lie against the front side 43a of the suitcase 1a and secures the coupling connection between the suitcases 1 and 1a to prevent unintentional disengagement.

(35) In order to bring this coupling connection or plug-in connection out of engagement again, it is necessary, for example, to manually press the sliding part 30 downward, in order to bring the locking element 18 into the release position F according to FIG. 4. Then, the further suitcase 1a can be displaced relative to the suitcase 1, counter to the direction of the arrow 34, and thereby the existing engagement connection or plug-in connection can be opened.

(36) FIGS. 6 and 7 show an enlarged representation of the locking slider 18 of the suitcase 1 together with a detail of the further suitcase 1a. As is evident from FIG. 7, pre-tension of the plug-in connection or engagement connection can take place in that either the sliding part 30 and/or the front side 43a has/have related wedge surfaces 36 in the region where the sliding part 30 makes contact, in order to thereby additionally pre-tense the engagement connection or plug-in connection in the direction of the arrow 34. Pre-tension takes place with a spring load by means of the pressure spring 31. A bottom-side stop surface or activation surface 35 of the further suitcase 1a can always be used as an activation surface for the locking element 18. However, the activation surface 35 is not necessarily a bottom surface. The activation surface 35 can be configured as an offset stop surface or the like, or as a foot strip or the like.

(37) FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the suitcase 1 and of a locking element 38 in an enlarged representation. The locking element 38 is configured as a pivot lever there, which can be pivoted from the initial position A into the intermediate or end position about a pivot axle 39. The locking element 38 can be pivoted in the directions of the arrow 40 by means of the pivot axle 39. The pressure spring that is required for a spring pre-load is not shown.

(38) FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of a suitcase 1 with a further embodiment of a further suitcase 1a. FIG. 9 is based on the representation in FIG. 2. The suitcases 1 and 1a differ from the suitcases 1 and 1a in that a projection 46 is provided on the underside 42, which engages into the cross-groove 5 or is provided for engagement.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

(39) 1, 1a suitcase 1 suitcase 1, 1a suitcase 2, 2a lid part 3, 3a hinge axle 4, 4a lower part 5, 5a cross-groove 6, 6a cross-rib 7, 7a cross-rib 8, 8a receiving region 9, 9a receiving region 10, 10a coupling part 11, 11a coupling part 10, 10a further coupling part 11, 11a further coupling part 12, 12a plug-in opening 13, 13a contact surface 14, 14a bottom surface 15, 15a end 16 closure element 17 recess 18, 18a locking element 19 carrying handle 20, 20a stop surface 21, 21a setback 22, 22a foot strip 23, 23a rear wall 24, 24a counter-coupling part 25, 25a counter-coupling part 28, 28a counter-coupling part 29, 29a counter-coupling part 30, 30a sliding part 31, 31a pressure spring 32, 32a holding part 33 arrow direction 34 arrow direction 35 activation surface 36 wedge surface 38 locking element 39 pivot axle 40 arrow direction 41 top side 42 underside 43, 43a front side 44 rear side 45 side surface 46, 46a projection A initial position S blocking position F release position V locking position W displacement path