Abstract
An item of luggage, including: an upper side and a lower side, the lower side being provided with at least two luggage casters with which the item of luggage can be moved over a ground surface; at least two side surfaces and at least two main surfaces. A first three-dimensional pattern is arranged on at least one of the main and/or side surfaces and the first pattern has multiple first surface structures repeating in the first pattern, which protrude in relation to their respective main and/or side surface and/or are recessed in the same, is provided with a plate-type element on at least one main and/or side surface, the element being connected to the main and/or side surface by at least one connection.
Claims
1. An item of luggage, comprising an upper and a lower side, wherein at least two luggage casters are arranged on the lower side, with the aid of which the item of luggage can be moved on a ground surface, at least two side surfaces and at least two main surfaces, wherein at least one first three-dimensional pattern is arranged on at least one of the main and/or side surfaces, wherein the first pattern comprises a plurality of first surface structures repeating in the first pattern and protruding relative to the respective main and/or side surface or recessed in the same, wherein a plate-type element is arranged on at least one main and/or side surface and connected to the main and/or side surface by at least one connecting means, wherein the plate-type element comprises at least one outer and one inner side, wherein a second pattern adapted to the first pattern is provided on the inner side, wherein the second pattern comprises at least two second three-dimensional surface structures which protrude relative to the inner side and/or are recessed in the same and are adapted to the first surface structures such that the second surface structures engage with the first surface structures, wherein the plate-type element has a thickness (D) which is thicker than the height and/or the depth of the second surface structures protruding and/or recessed relative to the inner side, wherein the first and the second surface structures of the first and the second pattern, respectively, are ribs and/or grooves.
2. The item according to claim 1, wherein the lowermost and the uppermost point, respectively, of the second three-dimensional surface structures are arranged such that they are lower and higher, respectively, by between 1 mm and 10 mm relative to the inner side.
3. The item according to claim 1, wherein the outer side of the plate-type element has an essentially flat configuration.
4. The item according to claim 1, wherein the outer side of the plate-type element comprises a circumferential edge.
5. The item according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting means is at least one screw connection and/or clamp connection and/or rivet connection and/or weld connection.
6. The item according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting means is at least one glued connection.
7. The item according to claim 1, wherein at least one seal is arranged between the main and/or side surface and the plate-type element.
8. The item according to claim 1, wherein the ribs and/or grooves configured as three-dimensional surface structures of the first and the second pattern are arranged in parallel to each other.
9. The item according to claim 1, wherein at least three surface structures are arranged on the inner side of the plate-type element.
10. The item according to claim 1, wherein the second surface structures comprise at least a number of first grooves and/or ribs extending in a first direction, and a number of second grooves and/or ribs extending in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein both the first and the second grooves and/or ribs are adapted to the first surface structures, wherein either the first grooves and/or ribs or the second grooves and/or ribs engage with the second surface structures.
11. The item according to claim 1, wherein the plate-type element comprises at least one side surface which includes an angle of more than 90° relative to the outer side.
12. The item according to claim 1, wherein at least one material, which comprises fabric, synthetic leather or metal, is applied to the outer side of the plate-type element.
13. The item according to claim 1, wherein the material can be glued to the outer side.
14. The item according to claim 1, wherein the material is arranged in a recessed manner relative to the circumferential edge of the outer side.
15. The item according to claim 1, wherein the main and/or side surfaces comprising the at least one first three-dimensional pattern comprises at least one recessed portion, wherein the plate-type element is arranged in the recessed portion on the main and/or side surface.
16. A method for producing an upcycled item of luggage having a modified main and/or side surface, comprising: providing a first existing item of luggage having at least two side surfaces and at least two main surfaces, wherein a first three-dimensional pattern is arranged on at least one of the main and/or side surfaces, wherein the first pattern comprises a plurality of first surface structures repeating in the first pattern, which surface structures protrude relative to the respective main and/or side surface and/or are recessed in the same, producing and/or providing a plate-type element, wherein the plate-type element comprises at least one outer and one inner side, wherein a second pattern adapted to the first pattern of the first existing item of luggage and having at least two three-dimensional surface structures is provided on the inner side, which surface structures protrude relative to the inner side and/or are recessed in the same and are adapted to the first surface structures, wherein the plate-type element has a thickness which is thicker than the height and/or the depth of the second surface structures protruding and/or recessed relative to the inner side, wherein the first and the second surface structures of the first and the second pattern, respectively, are ribs and/or grooves, permanent fastening of the plate-type element to a main and/or side surface of an existing item of luggage such that the second surface structures engage with the first surface structures.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) FIG. 1 schematically shows an item of luggage according to the present invention,
(2) FIG. 2 schematically shows a top view of a section of the main surfaces of the item of luggage of FIG. 1,
(3) FIG. 3 schematically shows a plate-type element,
(4) FIG. 4 schematically shows the inner side of the plate-shaped element,
(5) FIG. 5 schematically shows the side view of the plate-type element of FIGS. 3 and 4,
(6) FIG. 6 schematically shows a section of the connection between the plate-type element and the luggage wall,
(7) FIG. 7 schematically shows the inner side of another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(8) FIG. 8 schematically shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(9) FIG. 9 schematically shows a method for producing an upcycled item of luggage,
(10) FIG. 10 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(11) FIG. 10a schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(12) FIG. 11 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(13) FIG. 11 a schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(14) FIG. 12 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(15) FIG. 12a schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(16) FIG. 13 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(17) FIG. 13a schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(18) FIG. 14a schematically shows an embodiment of a connecting means,
(19) FIG. 14b schematically shows an embodiment of a connecting means,
(20) FIG. 14c schematically shows an embodiment of a connecting means,
(21) FIG. 15a schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of another connecting means,
(22) FIG. 15b schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of another connecting means,
(23) FIG. 15c schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of another connecting means,
(24) FIG. 15d schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of another connecting means,
(25) FIG. 16 schematically shows another exemplary embodiment,
(26) FIG. 17 schematically shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16,
(27) FIG. 18 schematically shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17 in the assembled condition,
(28) FIG. 19A schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(29) FIG. 19B schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(30) FIG. 19C schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(31) FIG. 20A schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(32) FIG. 20B schematically shows another exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element,
(33) FIG. 21 schematically shows the exemplary embodiment of the plate-type element of FIGS. 19A-C arranged on an item of luggage,
(34) FIG. 22 schematically shows the exemplary embodiment of the plate-type element of FIGS. 19A-C arranged on an item of luggage, wherein a patch is fastened to the plate-type element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(35) FIG. 1 shows an item of luggage 1 according to the invention. The item of luggage 1 comprises an upper 2 and a lower side 4. At least two luggage casters 6 are arranged on the lower side 4, wherein, in the present case, the item of luggage 1 comprises four luggage casters 6. The item of luggage 1 can be moved on a ground surface 8 with the aid of the luggage casters 6. The item of luggage 1 further comprises at least two side surfaces 10 and at least two main surfaces 12. Preferably, the main surfaces can be larger than the side surfaces 10 with respect to the surface area. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The side surfaces 10 and the main surfaces 12 can have the same size with respect to the surface area.
(36) At least one first three-dimensional pattern 14 is arranged on at least one of the main and/or the side surface 12, 10. The first three-dimensional pattern 14 can be arranged on both the main and the side surfaces 12, 10. The first pattern 14 can comprise a plurality of first surface structures 16 repeating in the pattern and protruding relative to the first main and/or side surface 10, 12 and/or recessed in the same. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 2.
(37) FIG. 2 illustrates a section of the first pattern 14 of the main surfaces 12. It shows that the first pattern 14 comprises first surface structures 16 repeating in the pattern 14, which surface structures, in the present case, protrude relative to the main surface 12. In the present case, these first surface structures 16 are ribs protruding relative to the main surface 12. These ribs are arranged at a regular distance to each other.
(38) FIG. 1 further illustrates at least one plate-type element 18. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plate-type element 18 is arranged on a main surface 12. The plate-type element 18 is connected to the main surface 12 via at least one merely schematically illustrated connecting means 20. However, additionally or alternatively, plate-type elements 18 can be applied to the side surfaces 10.
(39) FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a plate-type element 18. FIG. 3 illustrates the outer side 22 of the plate-type element 18. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the outer side 22 of the plate-type element 18 has a round shape. However, the shape can be selected as desired. It can also be square, rectangular, oval or be any other shape. The illustrated outer side 22 is the side that faces away from the item of luggage when the plate-type element 18 is connected to the main and/or side surface of the item of luggage 1. The illustrated outer side 22 has a flat surface. Further, FIG. 3 shows that the outer side 22 comprises a circumferential edge. Thus, another material layer can be applied to the outer side, which material layer is protected by the outer edge.
(40) FIG. 4 illustrates the inner side of the plate-type element. A second pattern 26 adapted to the first pattern 14 is provided on the inner side 24. The second pattern 26 comprises at least two second three-dimensional surface structures 28 which are recessed relative to the inner side 24. The second three-dimensional surface structures 28 are adapted to the first surface structures 16 such that the second surface structures 28 and the first surface structures 26 engage with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the second surface structures 28 are grooves adapted to the shape of the ribs of the first pattern 14. In the assembled condition, the ribs of the first pattern 14 engage with the grooves of the second pattern 26.
(41) As is shown in FIG. 5, the plate-type element 18 has a thickness D which is thicker than the depth T of the second surface structure 26 recessed relative to the inner side 24. The second surface structures 26 configured as grooves have a depth T which is smaller than the thickness of D of the plate-type element 18. The depth T is determined such that it is the distance between the lowermost one of the second three-dimensional surface structures and the inner side. Preferably, the depth T ranges between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 6 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm.
(42) On the other hand, the first surface structures 16 of the first pattern 14 can also be recessed relative to the main and/or side surface. They can be grooves, for example. In this case, the second surface structures 28 of the second pattern 26 would be raised or protrude relative to the inner side of the plate-type element 18, and in this case, the second surface structures 28 would engage with the first surface structures 16. Preferably, the height of the second surface structures is smaller than the thickness D of the plate-type element 18. The height of the second surface structures is defined such that it is the distance between the highest point of the second three-dimensional surface structures and the inner side of the plate-type element. Preferably, the height ranges between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 6 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm.
(43) The first three-dimensional surface structures 16 and also the second three-dimensional surface structures 28 can have a shape differing from that of a rib or a groove. However, the rib or groove shape oriented in parallel to the longitudinal edges offers the advantage that the plate-type elements can be easily aligned with respect to this edge.
(44) FIG. 5 further shows a plate-type element 18 where the side surfaces 32 of the plate-type element include an angle relative to the outer side 22 which is larger than 90 degrees. This means that the plate-type element, in its assembled condition, is configured such that the side surfaces 32 of the plate-type element are transversely arranged relative to the main and/or side surface 12, 10 of the item of luggage 1. In this manner, the plate-type element 18 cannot be easily detached from the side and/or main surface 10, 12 of the item of luggage 1 since impacts and/or forces acting upon the side surfaces 32 of the plate-type element 18 are transferred due to the transverse configuration of the side surfaces 32. The transverse configuration causes a portion of the forces laterally acting upon the side surfaces 32 of the plate-type element 18 to be transferred towards the item of luggage 1. In this manner, the portion of the lateral forces provoking detachment of the plate-type element 18 can be reduced.
(45) FIG. 6 shows a side view of the connection between the item of luggage 1 and the plate-type element 18. The plate-type element 18 is arranged on one of the main surfaces 12 of the item of luggage 1. The plate-type element is connected to the main surface of the item of luggage 1 via connecting means 20. The connecting means are merely schematically illustrated as dashes. The connecting means 20 can extend through the plate-type element 18 and through the luggage wall of the item of luggage 1 comprising the respective main and/or side surface. The connecting means 20 can be a rivet, clamp, screw or weld connection. Exemplary connecting means 20 are illustrated in FIG. 14.
(46) For example, four connecting means 20 can be provided in a plate-type element 18, which connecting means, in the case of a rectangular plate-type element, are arranged in the respective corners, for example.
(47) FIG. 6 shows that a seal 30 is provided between the plate-type element 18 and the main surface 12. Thus, it can be ensured that the plate-type element 18 is connected to the main surface 12 in an air-tight manner. Further, a seal can be provided only around the respective connecting means 20, or there may be no seal at all. The seal can have a thickness B ranging between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.
(48) FIG. 7 illustrates the inner side of another alternative plate-type element 18. FIG. 7 shows that the second pattern 26 comprises two different second three-dimensional surface structures 28. These different second surface structures 28 are configures as ribs or grooves, wherein at least a number of first grooves and/or ribs 28 extend in a first direction and a number of second grooves and/or ribs 28 extend in a second direction different from the first direction. Both the first and the second grooves and/or ribs are adapted to the first surface structure 16. The plate-type element 18 can now be arranged, with the first grooves and/or ribs or the second grooves and/or ribs, on the main and/or side surface 10, 12 such that the first grooves and/or ribs or the second grooves and/or ribs engage with the first surface structures. Thus, a plate-type element 18 can be produced which is arranged on the main and/or side surface 10, 12 in different directions.
(49) FIG. 8 illustrates another alternative exemplary embodiment. It shows a plate-type element 18 where the side surfaces 32 of the plate-type element include an angle of 90° relative to the outer side 22.
(50) FIG. 9 exemplarily shows various steps of a method for producing an item of luggage 1 according to claim 1 or an upcycled item of luggage 1 having a modified main or side surface. An item of luggage or an existing item of luggage 11 having at least two side surfaces 10 and at least two main surfaces 12 is provided, wherein a first three-dimensional pattern 14 is arranged on at least one of the main and/or side surfaces 12, 10, wherein the first pattern 14 comprises a plurality of first surface structures 16 repeating in the pattern, which surface structures protrude relative to the respective main and/or side surfaces 10, 12 and/or are recessed in the same.
(51) In the second step, a plate-type element 18 is produced and/or provided, wherein the plate-type element 18 comprises at least one outer side 22 and one inner side 24, wherein on the inner side a second pattern 26 adapted to the first pattern 14 of the item of luggage 1 or the existing item of luggage 11 and at least two three-dimensional surface structures 28 are provided which protrude relative to the inner side 24 and/or are recessed in the same and are adapted to the first surface structure, wherein the plate-type element 18 has a thickness which is thicker than the height and/or the depth of the second surface structures 28 that protrude relative to the inner side 24 or are recessed in the same.
(52) The plate-type element can be made from metal. It can be cast or formed from a metal sheet. Alternatively, the plate-type element can be made from a plastic material. It can be produced by injection molding, for example. In another step, the plate-type element 18 is preferably permanently connected or permanently fastened to the item of luggage 1 or the existing item of luggage 11 with the aid of a device 36 and with the aid of connecting means 20. Here, the plate-type element 18 is placed onto the main and/or side surface, and holes are preferably drilled into the luggage wall comprising the main and/or side surface with the aid of the device 36. Subsequently, the plate-type element 18 is connected to the item of luggage or the existing item of luggage 11 with the aid of connecting means 20.
(53) Alternatively, when e.g. a rivet connection is used as the connecting means 20, the rivets can be directly driven through the luggage wall comprising the main and/or side surface and thus be connected.
(54) As described, a new item of luggage 1 according to claims 1 to 15 can be produced which comprises modified main and/or side surfaces as compared to the existing item of luggage 11. In this manner, damage, dents or scratches on an existing item of luggage can be removed. Various embodiments of the connecting means are illustrated in FIG. 14.
(55) FIGS. 10-13a show different configurations of a plate-type element. The outer surfaces can have different shapes. The surface structures can be aligned relative to the outer edges in various ways.
(56) FIGS. 14a-c show an exemplary embodiment of a connecting means. The illustrated connecting means 54 is a screw connection. The illustrated upper portion of the connecting means 54 is configured as a rivet, the difference being, however, that an internal thread is provided in the lower portion 56 of the rivet. The lower portion 56 of the connecting means 54 can be inserted through the plate-type element 18 and the luggage wall comprising the main and/or side surface. On the opposite side of the luggage wall a screw can be screwed into the thread and connect the connecting means 54 to the item of luggage. The connecting means 54 further comprises wings 58 on the head via which the connecting means 54 can be fastened in a rotation-preventing manner. For this purpose, a hole 60 having the shape illustrated in FIG. 14a must be provided in the plate-type element 18 and/or in the luggage wall comprising the main and/or side surface.
(57) FIGS. 15a-d illustrate further exemplary embodiments of connecting means with the aid of which the plate-type element 18 and the item of luggage 1 can be connected. The illustrated connecting means are clamp connections. The connecting elements 42, 48, 50 of the connecting means are fitted through the plate-type element 18 and the luggage wall comprising the main and/or side wall. On the opposite side of the luggage wall the clamp disk 40 is provided which can be slid onto the connecting elements 42, 48 and 50 and fix the connecting elements 42, 48, 50 to the luggage wall. For this purpose, according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15a, the clamp disk 40 bores its way into the connecting element 42. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15a, the interior portion of the clamp disk presses into the grooves provided in the connecting element 48, and in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15c, the interior portion of the clamp disk 40 presses into the thread turns of the thread provided on the connecting element 52. The connecting elements 42, 48, 50 are also configured as a rivet having rivet heads 44, 46, 52.
(58) FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment where the main and/or side surfaces comprising at least one first three-dimensional pattern include a recessed area 70. The plate-type element 18 can be arranged in the recessed area 70 on the main and/or side surface. The first pattern 14′ in the recessed area 70 can be different from or be the same as the first pattern 14 in the non-recessed area of the main and/or side surface 12, 10. The recessed area 70 of the main and/or side surface 12, 10 can be recessed such that the outer side of the plate-type element 18 can be flush with the non-recessed area of the main and/or side surface 10, 12.
(59) FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate how the plate-type element 18 is arranged in the recessed area 70. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the plate-type element 18 is arranged in a recess, however, the recessed area 70 is not recessed to such an extent that the outer side 22 is flush with the non-recessed area of the main and/or side surface 10, 12.
(60) The arrangement of the plate-type element 18 in the recessed area 70 of the main and/or side surfaces 12, 10 offers the advantage that the plate-type element 18 does not easily detach itself from the main and/or side surface 12, 10. It is better protected against lateral application of force.
(61) FIGS. 19A to 19C schematically show different views of a plate-type element 18 according to another embodiment. Here, FIG. 19A schematically shows an outer side of the plate-type element 18, FIG. 19C schematically shows a side view of the plate-type element 18, and FIG. 19B schematically shows a view of the inner side of the plate-type element 18.
(62) The plate-type element 18 essentially corresponds to that of FIGS. 10 and 10A, and 12 and 12A, respectively, wherein the side surfaces 32 have an inclined portion in the form of a bevel.
(63) Further, the through-going bore holes 106, which are the fastening means, have a square shape, wherein the side length 123 of the square through-going bore holes 106 is configured correspondent to a square boss of a round-head screw which serves as a fastening element for fastening the plate-type element to the item of luggage.
(64) FIG. 20A schematically shows a sectional view of a plate-type element 18 according to another embodiment. The plate-type element 18 essentially corresponds to that of FIGS. 19A to 19C, wherein the inclined portion 130 configured as a bevel does not extend up to the inner side 24 but starts from a predefined rim distance 124 relative to the inner side 24.
(65) FIG. 20A further shows that the plate-type element 18 has a basic thickness 125. The recesses 111 which constitute the three-dimensional surface structure have a depth 126 which is smaller than the basic thickness 125 such that the plate-type element 18 has a residual thickness 127 in the area of the recesses 111. Further, it can be seen that the rim 120 extends from the outer side 22 up to a height 280. The thickness 180 of the plate-type element 18 thus results from the sum of the height 280 and the basic thickness 125.
(66) The plate-type element 18 according to this embodiment comprises through-going bore holes 106 serving as fastening means.
(67) FIG. 20B schematically shows a sectional view of a plate-type element 18 according to another embodiment which essentially corresponds to that of FIG. 20A. Instead of through-going bore holes 106, the plate-type element 18 comprises blind bore holes 129 which are optionally provided in the rim 120. The blind bore holes 129 are open towards the inner side 24. Accordingly, a screw (not shown) can be screwed from the rear into the blind bore hole 129.
(68) FIG. 21 is an illustration of a plate-type element 18 arranged on a grooved outer shell 310 of a grooved suitcase 300 according to the embodiment as per FIGS. 19A to 19C. The outer shell 310 of the grooved suitcase 300 has a grooved structure 320 which is constituted by parallel extending corrugations 330 spaced apart from each other and raising from a flat base area 340 of the outer shell 310.
(69) The plate-type element 18 (see FIG. 19C) is configured correspondent to the grooved structure 320 of the grooved suitcase 300. Accordingly, the alignment of the plate-type element 18 with respect to its longitudinal extension 140, as compared to the direction of the corrugations 330, is defined by the angle 200.
(70) FIG. 22 is an illustration of a partial view of the plate-type element 18 of FIG. 21 to which a textile patch 350 is applied. The patch 350, together with the plate-type element 18, is fastened to the outer shell 310 by two round-head screws 360. For this purpose, one round-head screw 360 each is inserted through a corresponding opening in the patch 350 and one of the through-going bore holes 106 as well as a corresponding bore hole provided in the outer shell 310. On the inner side of the grooved suitcase 300 a nut (not shown) is screwed onto the round-head screw 360.
(71) Further, FIG. 22 clearly shows that the patch 350 is essentially snugly received in the receiving area defined by the outer side 22 and the inner side of the rim 100.
(72) In addition, the patch 350 can be at least partially glued to the outer side 22 of the plate-type element 18 for providing a further improved connection between the plate-type element 18 and the patch 350.
(73) To the extent applicable, all individual features illustrated in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with each other or replace each other without departing from the scope of the invention.
