LUGGAGE WITH VOLUME EXPANSION ELEMENT

Abstract

A piece of luggage (2) having a volume expansion element (1) comprising a closure element (3) with a first closing side (4) and a second closing side (5) and a gusset (6), wherein in a non-expanded state the first closing side (4) is in direct engagement with the second closing side (5) and wherein in an expanded state the first closing side (4) and the second closing side (5) are disengaged from each other such that they are positioned at a distance (D) to each other, which distance (D) is bridged with said gusset (6). Further at least one tensile element (7) is in connection with the first closing side (4) and the second closing side (5) such that with the tensile element (7) a tightening force can be provided between said first closing side (4) and said second closing side (5) in the expanded state.

Claims

1. A piece of luggage comprising a housing with a first housing part and a second housing part and a volume expansion element, wherein the volume expansion element comprises: a longitudinal closure element with a first closing side and a second closing side and a gusset which is in connection with said first closing side and said second closing side and extends between said first closing side and said second closing side, wherein in a non-expanded state the first closing side is in direct engagement with the second closing side and wherein in an expanded state the first closing side and the second closing side are disengaged from each other such that they are positioned at a distance to each other, which distance is bridged with said gusset, wherein at least one tensile element is in connection with the first closing side and the second closing side such that with the tensile element a tightening force can be provided between said first closing side and said second closing side in the expanded state, and wherein said first closing side is in connection with the first housing part and the second closing side is in connection with the second housing part and wherein said gusset bridges a gap between said first housing part and said second housing part.

2. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls, wherein said front wall and said back wall forming major faces of the housing, wherein said side walls forming side faces of the housing and extend between the front wall and the back wall and wherein said top wall and said bottom wall forming top and bottom ends of the housing and extend between the front wall and the back wall, wherein the volume expansion element extends in a circumferential manner around said housing in the top wall, the side walls and the bottom wall.

3. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the first housing part is a front shell comprising at least the front wall and the second housing part is a back shell comprising at least the back wall.

4. The piece of luggage according to claim 2, wherein at least one of: (i) at least one of said tensile elements links the first housing part with the second housing part in the area of said bottom wall; and (ii) at least one of said tensile elements links the first housing part with the second housing part in the area of each of said side walls; and (iii) in the area of said top wall no tensile element is arranged.

5. The piece of luggage according to claim 2, wherein in said front wall a closure element is arranged giving access to the interior space of said housing.

6. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein a plate is arranged in said housing at the bottom end, which plate is in firm connection with one of said first housing part or said second housing part.

7. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the tensile element is arranged relative to said closing sides and said gusset such that in said non-expanded state the tensile element is embedded in said gusset and said engaged closing sides and (ii) the tensile element is arranged behind the gusset on the opposite side of said closing sides.

8. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the tensile element has the shape of a strip-like element extending transverse over the gusset from the first closing side to the second closing side.

9. The piece e of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the tensile element is a strap with at least one length adjusting element with which the length of the strap can be adjusted and thereby a tensile force between the closing sides can be provided.

10. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the tensile element is an elastic strap and (ii) a spring-like band providing a tensile force between the closing sides and (iii) several bearing points are arranged at a distance to each other in the vicinity of the first closing side and the second closing side, wherein a tensile band is then guided trough said bearing points whereby the tensile band connects alternatively the bearing points of the first closing side and bearing points of the second closing side such that when the tensile element is put under tension the first closing side and the second closing side will be moved together.

11. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the tensile element is separate from said gusset; or wherein the tensile element is an integral part of the gusset; or wherein the tensile element is provided by said gusset.

12. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the gusset is provided as non-interrupted gusset which completely bridges the distance between the first closing side and the second closing side and (ii) the width of the gusset between the first closing side and the second closing side in the expanded state is larger than 5 cm.

13. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal closure element is a zipper, wherein the first closing side comprises a first row of teeth, wherein the second closing side comprises a second row of teeth and wherein a slider is present between said first row of teeth and said second row of teeth.

14. The piece of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the first closing side and a first edge region of the gusset are connectable to a first housing part of a piece of luggage and second closing side and a second edge region of the gusset are connectable to a second housing part of a piece of luggage.

15. The piece of luggage according to claim 14, wherein the first closing side and the second closing side extend along the edge regions of the gusset and meet at a starting point between said edge regions.

16. The piece of luggage according to claim 15, wherein the closing sides are in a firm connection with the gusset in a starting segment of the longitudinal closure element, which starting segment extends from said starting point to the regions in which the closing sides extend parallel to the edge regions of the gusset.

17. The piece of luggage according to claim 4, wherein at least one of: (i) exactly one of said tensile elements links the first housing part with the second housing part in the area of said bottom wall; and (ii) exactly two of said tensile elements links the first housing part with the second housing part in the area of each of said side walls.

18. The piece of luggage according to claim 11, wherein the tensile element is apart from its end regions separate from said gusset.

19. A volume expansion element for a piece of luggage comprising a longitudinal closure element with a first closing side and a second closing side and a gusset which is in connection with said first closing side and said second closing side and extends between said first closing side and said second closing side, wherein in a non-expanded state the first closing side is in direct engagement with the second closing side and wherein in an expanded state the first closing side and the second closing side are disengaged from each other such that they are positioned at a distance to each other, which distance is bridged with said gusset, wherein at least one tensile element is in connection with the first closing side and the second closing side such that with the tensile element a tightening force can be provided between said first closing side and said second closing side in the expanded state.

20. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein at least one of (i) the tensile element is arranged relative to said closing sides and said gusset such that in said non-expanded state the tensile element is embedded in said gusset and said engaged closing sides and (ii) the tensile element is arranged behind the gusset on the opposite side of said closing sides.

21. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein the tensile element has the shape of a strip-like element extending transverse over the gusset from the first closing side to the second closing side.

22. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein the tensile element is a strap with at least one length adjusting element with which the length of the strap can be adjusted and thereby a tensile force between the closing sides can be provided.

23. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein at least one of (i) the tensile element is an elastic strap; and (ii) a spring-like band providing a tensile force between the closing sides; and (iii) several bearing points are arranged at a distance to each other in the vicinity of the first closing side and the second closing side, wherein a tensile band is then guided trough said bearing points whereby the tensile band connects alternatively the bearing points of the first closing side and bearing points of the second closing side such that when the tensile element is put under tension the first closing side and the second closing side will be moved together.

24. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein the tensile element is, in particular apart from its end regions, separate from said gusset; or wherein the tensile element is an integral part of the gusset; or wherein the tensile element is provided by said gusset.

25. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein at least one of (i) the gusset is provided as non-interrupted gusset which completely bridges the distance between the first closing side and the second closing side and (ii) the width of the gusset between the first closing side and the second closing side in the expanded state is larger than 5 cm, in particular larger than 8 cm, preferably larger than 12 cm.

26. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal closure element is a zipper, wherein the first closing side comprises a first row of teeth, wherein the second closing side comprises a second row of teeth and wherein a slider is present between said first row of teeth and said second row of teeth.

27. The volume expansion element according to claim 19, wherein the first closing side and a first edge region of the gusset are connectable to a first housing part of a piece of luggage and second closing side and a second edge region of the gusset are connectable to a second housing part of a piece of luggage.

28. The volume expansion element according to claim 27, wherein the first closing side and the second closing side extend along the edge regions of the gusset and meet at a starting point between said edge regions.

29. The volume expansion element according to claim 286, wherein the closing sides are in a firm connection with the gusset in a starting segment of the longitudinal closure element, which starting segment extends from said starting point to the regions in which the closing sides extend parallel to the edge regions of the gusset.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of the volume expansion element according to the invention;

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a view of a piece of luggage with the volume expansion element according to FIG. 1, wherein the piece of luggage is in its non-expanded state;

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a view of a piece of luggage with the volume expansion element according to FIG. 1, wherein the piece of luggage is in its expanded state;

[0046] FIG. 4 a detailed view of FIG. 3;

[0047] FIG. 5 a detailed view of the interior space at the bottom; and

[0048] FIG. 6 a detailed view of an embodiment of the volume expansion element is a tensile band guided through bearing points.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a view of a volume expansion element 1 for a piece of luggage 2. The piece of luggage 2 here is shown as a trolley, but it can be any other piece of luggage, such as a duffle bag, a backpack, a suitcase, etc. Hence, the volume expansion element 1 can be used in a wide variety of types of luggage in order to enhance the volume of the piece of luggage.

[0050] The volume expansion element 1 comprises a longitudinal closure element 3 and a gusset 6. The volume expansion element 1 comprises with a first closing side 4 and a second closing side 5. The gusset 6 is in connection with the first closing side 4 and the second closing side 5. The connection can be directly or via the piece of luggage. The gusset 6 extends between the first closing side 4 and the second closing side 5.

[0051] In an expanded state, as it is shown in FIG. 1, the first closing side 4 and the second closing side 5 are disengaged from each other such that they are positioned at the distance D to each other. The distance D, which can also be designated as gap, is then bridged with said gusset 6.

[0052] In a non-expanded state as it is shown in FIG. 2, the first closing side 4 is in direct engagement with the second closing side 5. Therefore there is no gap or distance between the first closing side 4 and the second closing side 5.

[0053] Furthermore the volume expansion element 1 comprises at least one tensile element 7 which is in connection with the first closing side 4 and the second closing side 5 such that the tensile element 7 can be used to provide a tightening force F between said first closing side 4 and said second closing side 5 in the expanded state. This means that the tensile element 7 as it is shown in FIG. 1 can be tightened such that the first closing side 4 will be moved against the second closing side 5 and vice-versa. This in order to tighten the piece of luggage 2 in the expanded state such that a compact structure can be achieved. Upon tightening of the tensile element 7 the distance D becomes smaller than in the maximal expanded state. The force of the tensile element 7 acts against the items which are stored in the interior space of the piece of luggage.

[0054] The tensile element 7 is arranged between said closing sides 4, 5 and said gusset 6 such that in said non-expanded state the tensile element 7 is fully embedded within said gusset 6 and side engaged closing sides 4, 5. The gusset 6 and the engaged closing sides 4, 5 provide closed loop or space in which said tensile element 7 is embedded. With reference to FIG. 1 this means that in case the first closing side 4 will be engaged with the second closing side 5 the tensile element 7 will be no longer visible, since it is then covered by the gusset 6 and said engaged closing sides 4, 5.

[0055] The tensile element 7 has the shape of a strip-like element. The strip-like element extends transverse over the gusset 6 from the first closing side 4 to the second closing side 5. The width of the strip-like element in is thereby smaller than the maximal distance D. The strip-like element can have various appearances.

[0056] In the present embodiment the tensile element 7 is a strap 8 with at last one length adjusting element 9. With the length adjusting element 9 the length of the strap can be adjusted and thereby a tensile force F can be provided between the closing sides 4, 5.

[0057] In the present case the length adjusting element 9 is a buckle that is arranged in connection with the strap 8. The strap 8 comprises here a first segment 28 which is in connection with the first closing side 4. Furthermore the strap 8 comprises a second segment 29 which is in connection with the second closing side 5. The first segment 28 and the second segment 29 are linked together with said length adjusting element 9, which has the shape of a buckle. In the present case the second segment 29 is in a firm connection with the buckle 9 and the first segment 28 forms a loop around the buckle 9. Thereby the second segment 29 comprises a free end 30 with which said change in distance of the strap 8 can be achieved. Thereby one can pull the free end 30 towards the second closing side 5 in order to provide tightening force.

[0058] As one can clearly understand the tensile element 7 can also be provided in other form, in particular as an elastic strap 36 and/or a spring-like band 37. Both the elastic strap and the spring-like band provide a tensile force F. It is also possible to mix several embodiments of the tensile elements 7 in one piece of luggage 2. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, several bearing points are arranged at a distance to each other in the vicinity of the first closing side and the second closing side, wherein a tensile band is then guided through said bearing points whereby the tensile band connects alternatively the bearing points of the first closing side and bearing points of the second closing side such that when the tensile element is put under tension the first closing side and the second closing side will be moved together.

[0059] In the present embodiment the tensile element 7 is a separate part from said gusset 6. This means that over the distance D there is no physical connection between the gusset 6 and the tensile element 7. However, in the end region 10 of the tensile element 7 there can be a connection between the tensile element 7 and the gusset 6 as well as with said first closing side 4 and said second closing side 5 depending on how the tensile element 7 is connected to the closing sides 4, 5 and the gusset 6.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment that is not shown in the figures the tensile element 7 is an integral part of the gusset or it can be provided by the gusset.

[0061] The gusset 6 is provided as a non-interrupted gusset which completely bridges the distance D or gap between the first closing side 4 and the second closing side 5. Hence in the expanded state the gusset 6 provides a part of the wall of the housing 18 of the piece of luggage 2.

[0062] The distance D is a preferred embodiment larger than 5 centimetres, in particular larger than 8 centimetres, preferably larger than 12 centimetres.

[0063] As it can be seen from FIG. 1 the longitudinal closure element 3 is a zipper. The first closing side 4 comprises a first row of teeth 10 and the second closing side 5 a second row of teeth 11. A slider 12 is present between said first row of teeth 10 and said second row of teeth 11. Upon movement of the slider 12 the row of teeth 10 and the row of teeth 11 can be engaged or disengaged.

[0064] With regard to the arrangement towards the interior space 27 of the piece of luggage 2 one can say that the longitudinal closure element 13 is the outermost element with regard to the tensile element 7 and said gusset 6. The gusset 6 is thereby preferably the innermost element and therefore the tensile element 7 is arranged between said longitudinal closure element 3 and said gusset 6.

[0065] In FIG. 1 the first closing side 4 and a first edge region 13 of the gusset 6 are connected to a first housing part 14 of the piece of luggage 2. The second closing side 5 and a second edge region 15 of the gusset 6 are in connection with a second housing part 16 of the piece of luggage 2. Likewise the tensile element 7 extends from the first housing part 14 to the second housing part 16 and is firmly connected to the housing parts 14, 16. In the preferred embodiments the first closing side 4, the first edge region 13 of the gusset and the tensile element 7 are connected in the same region with the first housing part 14. Likewise the second closing side 5 and the second edge region of the gusset as well as the tensile element 7 are connected at the same region with the second housing part 16. Preferably the tensile element 7, the gusset 6 and said closing sides 4, 5 are sewn with regard to the respective housing part 14, 16. Other connection means, such as riveting, gluing or welding are also possible. The connection means can also be combined with each other. In particular it may advantageous to use a rivet connection for the tensile element 7 in view of the forces that apply.

[0066] The longitudinal closure element 3 extends with its closing sides 4, 5 along the edge regions 13, 15 of the gusset. Furthermore the first closing side 4 and the second closing side 5 meet at the starting point 17 between said regions 13, 15. In the present case the starting point 17 is arranged in the middle of the gusset 6. The starting point 17 is also the end point for the zipper, when the volume expansion element 1 is in its expanded state. This is shown in FIG. 1. In case now the user would like to bring the volume expansion element 1 to its non-expanded state the slider 12 will be moved from the starting point 17 along the closing sides 4, 5 and thereby the latter will engaged. This is shown by an arrow C. The user has to move the slider 12 along arrow C in order to engage the first closing side with the second closing side.

[0067] In a starting segment 33 of the longitudinal closure element the closing sides 4, 5 are in a firm connection with the gusset 6. This starting segment 33 extends from said starting point 17 to the regions in which the closing sides 4, 5 extend parallel to the edge regions 13, 15 of the gusset 6. The end of the starting segment 33 is illustrated with reference numeral 34.

[0068] In FIGS. 2 to 4 an embodiment of a piece of luggage 2 comprising said volume expansion element 1 as the described above is shown.

[0069] The piece of luggage 2 comprises a housing 18 with a first housing part 14 and a second housing part 15. The first housing part 14 and the second housing part 15 are connected with the volume expansion element 1. In the non-expanded state the first housing part 14 and the second housing part 15 are closer to each other than in the expanded state. The gap between the first housing part 14 and the second housing part 15 in the expanded state is, as described above, covered by the gusset 6.

[0070] In FIG. 2 the volume expansion element 1 is shown in its non-expanded state.

[0071] In FIG. 3 the volume expansion element 1 is shown in its expanded state. Thereby it can be seen that the gusset 6 extends fully over the distance D or the gap between the first housing part 14 and the second housing part 16. Also the tensile element 7 extends fully over the distance D between the first housing part 14 and the second housing part 16.

[0072] The housing 18 comprises, as it can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 a front wall 20, a back wall 21, a top wall 22, a bottom wall 23 and side walls 24, 25. The front wall 20 and the back wall 21 form thereby major faces of the housing 18. The side walls 24 and 25 form side faces of the housing 18 and extend between the front wall and the back wall 21. The top wall 22 and the bottom wall 23 form top and bottom ends of the housing 18 and extend also between the front wall 20 and the back wall 21. The first housing part 14 in the present case is thereby provided by the front wall 20, parts of the back wall 21, parts of the top wall 22, parts of the side walls 24 and 25. The same applies to the second housing part 15. The second housing part 15 is provided in the present case by the back wall 21 and parts of the top wall 22, parts of the bottom wall 23 and parts of the side walls 24, 25. The volume expansion element 1 is thereby in connection with said parts of said top wall 22, said parts of said bottom wall 23 and said parts of said side walls 24, 25 extending from the front wall 20 or the back wall 21, respectively.

[0073] The volume expansion element 1 extends, as it can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a circumferential manner around said housing 18 in the top wall 22, the side walls 24, 25 and the bottom wall 23.

[0074] The first housing part 14 in the present case is provided as a front shell and the second housing part is provided as a back shell. The shells are harder and stiffer with regard to the gusset 6 that links the two shells with each other.

[0075] With regard to the arrangement and the distribution of the tensile element 7 the following can be said. Depending on the length of the respective wall one or more than one tensile element 7 can be arranged.

[0076] In the present case each of the side walls 23, 25 comprise two tensile elements 7 which are arranged at a distance to each other. A further tensile element 7, which is not shown in the figures, is arranged in the area of the bottom wall 23. With regard to the top wall, which is shown in FIG. 4, no tensile element 7 is arranged. This can be seen in FIG. 4. The arrangement of the tensile element as just described provides a sufficient structure to obtain a compact piece of luggage. However in case the piece of luggage is provided at a larger or smaller or different size the number of the tensile element 7 can vary accordingly.

[0077] From FIG. 5 it can also be seen that within said housing a plate 32 is arranged. The plate 32 is arranged at the bottom end and is in a firm connection with one of said housing parts 14, 15. In the present case it is in connection with the second housing part 16. There is no firm connection with the first housing part 14 apart from a protection fabric 36. However, the plate 32 is moveably beared on said first housing part 14. The plate 32 serves as element to enhance stability of the gusset 6 in the area of the bottom end of the suitcase. It is preferable that the width W of the plate is chosen such that in the maximal expanded state the plate bridges the distance D between the two housing parts 14, 16.

[0078] Furthermore the piece of luggage comprises in the bottom region for wheels 35. Two wheels 35 are linked to the first housing part 14 and two wheels are linked to the second housing part 16. In such a piece of luggage the volume expansion element 1 is in particularly advantageous since with the tightened tensile elements 7 the two wheel pairs can be positioned in the same plane as a shear movement relative between the first housing part 14 and the second housing part 16 can be prevented.