STACKABLE SUITCASE, ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING TWO SUITCASES STACKED ONE ABOVE THE OTHER AND METHOD FOR STACKING TWO SUITCASES
20180220758 ยท 2018-08-09
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D21/0223
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
A45C2005/037
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
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. Suitcase (1) for stacking with a further suitcase (1a), having a contact surface (13) for stacking the further suitcase (1a), at least one coupling part (10; 11), which can be brought together with a counter-coupling part (28a; 29a) of the further suitcase (1a), forming a plug-in connection, wherein the coupling part (10; 11) is aligned in such a manner that the plug-in connection with the counter-coupling part (28a; 29a) is formed by means of displacement of the further suitcase (1a) along the contact surface (13), and having at least one locking element (18; 38) for securing the plug-in connection to prevent release, wherein the locking element (18; 38) can be moved from an initial position (A) into an intermediate or end position, and in the initial position (A), is situated in a receiving region (8) for the further suitcase (1a), which region is used during setting of the further suitcase (1a) onto the contact surface (13).
2. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein in the initial position (A), the locking element (18; 38) projects beyond a bottom surface (14) of the receiving region (8).
3. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein in the initial position (A), the locking element (18; 38) projects beyond a bottom surface (14) of the receiving region (8) with one end (15), and in the intermediate or end position, the one end (15) of the locking element (18; 38) is set back downward as compared with the initial position (A).
4. Suitcase according to claim 2, wherein the bottom surface (14) of the receiving region (8) forms at least a part of the contact surface (13).
5. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (18; 38) is held in the initial position (A) in spring-loaded manner.
6. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (18) is configured as a locking slider, which can be displaced from the initial position (A) into the intermediate or end position.
7. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (38) is configured as a pivot lever, which can be pivoted from the initial position (A) into the intermediate or end position about a pivot axle (39).
8. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is configured as a rotating lever, which can be rotated from the initial position (A) into the intermediate or end position about a rotation axle.
9. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein the suitcase (1) has a top side (41), an underside (42), a front side (43), and a rear side (44), wherein the expanse of the suitcase (1) from the front side (43) to the rear side (44) forms a longitudinal expanse, and wherein the contact surface (13) is assigned to the top side (41) and wherein a 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.
10. Suitcase according to claim 9, wherein the coupling part (10; 11) is directed in the direction toward the carrying handle (19), so that the plug-in connection with the counter-coupling part (28a; 29a) of the further suitcase (1a) 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).
11. Suitcase according to claim 9, wherein the receiving region (8) for the further suitcase (1a) is assigned to the top side (41), and the locking element (18; 38) is disposed in the region of the front side (43) and projects beyond the top side (41) in the initial position (A).
12. Suitcase according to claim 9, wherein the top side (41) of the suitcase (1) has at least one cross-rib (6, 7), which runs transversely relative to the longitudinal expanse of the suitcase (1) and has a side surface (45) that projects outward and faces the front side (43).
13. Suitcase according to claim 9, wherein the top side (41) of the suitcase (1) has two cross-ribs (6, 7) that each run transversely relative to the longitudinal expanse of the suitcase (1) and have a side surface (45) that project outward and faces the front side (43), wherein the cross-ribs (6, 7) delimit a cross-groove (5) that runs between them.
14. Suitcase according to claim 9, wherein the underside (42) is configured corresponding to the top side (41) of the suitcase (1), so that the suitcase (1) can be stacked, with its underside (42), on another suitcase that has a top side configured corresponding to the suitcase (1).
15. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein two coupling parts (10, 11) are provided, which each can be brought together with a related counter-coupling part (28a, 29a) of the further suitcase (1a), forming a plug-in connection, and are oriented in such a manner that the plug-in connection with the counter-coupling part (28a; 29a) is formed by means of displacement of the further suitcase (1a) along the contact surface (13), wherein the coupling parts (10, 11) are disposed lying next to one another with reference to the insertion direction, for production of the plug-in connection.
16. Suitcase according to claim 1, wherein at least one further coupling part (10; 11) is provided, which can be brought together with a related counter-coupling part (24a; 25a) of the further suitcase (1a), forming a plug-in connection, and is oriented in such a manner that the plug-in connection with the related counter-coupling part (24a; 25a) is formed by means of displacement of the further suitcase (1a) along the contact surface (13), wherein the further coupling part (10; 11) and the coupling part (10; 11) are disposed lying one behind the other with reference to the insertion direction, for production of the plug-in connection.
17. Arrangement comprising at least two suitcases (1, 1a) stacked one on top of the other, of which at least one suitcase (1) has a contact surface (13) and at least one coupling part (10; 11), wherein the other suitcase (1a) is set onto the contact surface (13) and the coupling part (10; 11) forms a plug-in connection with a counter-coupling part (28a; 29a) of the other suitcase (1a), which connection is formed by means of displacement of the other suitcase (1a) along and/or on the contact surface (13), and at least one locking element (18; 38) is provided, which is present in a locking position (V) that secures the plug-in connection to prevent loosening, wherein in the locking position (V), the locking element (18; 38) is situated in a receiving region (8) for the other suitcase (1a), which region is used when the further suitcase (1a) is set onto the contact surface (13).
18. Method for stacking at least two suitcases (1, 1a), in which one of the suitcases (1, 1a) is set onto a contact surface (13) of the other suitcase (1) and subsequently, the suitcase (1a) is pushed along the contact surface (13), over a displacement path (W), into a plug-in connection with the other suitcase (1), wherein a locking element (18; 38) is activated by means of setting the suitcase (1a) onto the other suitcase (1), in that the suitcase (1a) moves the locking element (18; 38) from an initial position (A) into an intermediate or end position, wherein in the initial position (A), the locking element (18; 38) is situated in a blocking position (S), in which the locking element (18; 38) engages into the displacement path (W) for the further suitcase (1a), and in the intermediate or end position, the locking element (18; 38) is situated in a release position (F), in which the locking element (18; 38) opens up the displacement path (W).
Description
THE DRAWING SHOWS
[0053]
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[0055]
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[0059]
[0060]
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[0062]
[0063] 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
[0064] 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.
[0065] Preferably, the suitcase 1 has a carrying handle 19.
[0066] Preferably, the carrying handle 19 is disposed on the front side 19, 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080]
[0081] 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.
[0082]
[0083] In the first assembly state according to
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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 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
[0086] 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
[0087] 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
[0088] 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
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REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST
[0092] 1, 1a suitcase [0093] 1 suitcase [0094] 1, 1a suitcase [0095] 2, 2a lid part [0096] 3, 3a hinge axle [0097] 4, 4a lower part [0098] 5, 5a cross-groove [0099] 6, 6a cross-rib [0100] 7, 7a cross-rib [0101] 8, 8a receiving region [0102] 9, 9a receiving region [0103] 10, 10a coupling part [0104] 11, 11a coupling part [0105] 10, 10a further coupling part [0106] 11, 11a further coupling part [0107] 12, 12a plug-in opening [0108] 13, 13a contact surface [0109] 14, 14a bottom surface [0110] 15, 15a end [0111] 16 closure element [0112] 17 recess [0113] 18, 18a locking element [0114] 19 carrying handle [0115] 20, 20a stop surface [0116] 21, 21a setback [0117] 22, 22a foot strip [0118] 23, 23a rear wall [0119] 24, 24a counter-coupling part [0120] 25, 25a counter-coupling part [0121] 28, 28a counter-coupling part [0122] 29, 29a counter-coupling part [0123] 30, 30a sliding part [0124] 31, 31a pressure spring [0125] 32, 32a holding part [0126] 33 arrow direction [0127] 34 arrow direction [0128] 35 activation surface [0129] 36 wedge surface [0130] 38 locking element [0131] 39 pivot axle [0132] 40 arrow direction [0133] 41 top side [0134] 42 underside [0135] 43, 43a front side [0136] 44 rear side [0137] 45 side surface [0138] 46, 46a projection [0139] A initial position [0140] S blocking position [0141] F release position [0142] V locking position [0143] W displacement path