CASE AND SUPPORTING FRAME MEMBER THEREFOR

Abstract

The disclosed subject matter is directed to a case comprising a body member having side walls extending between a base and a circumferential rim, and a frame member articulated to an inside face of the side walls. The frame member is integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.

Claims

1. A case, comprising: a body member having side walls extending between a base and a circumferential rim, and a frame member articulated to an inside face of the side walls; wherein said frame member is being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.

2. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is snapingly articulated to the inside face of the side walls of the body member.

3. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is detachably attachable to the side walls of the base member.

4. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is articulated to, or below a rim of the side walls of the body member.

5. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is configured with securing straps diagonally extending from respective corners thereof.

6. The case according to claim 5, wherein the securing straps are detachably attachable to the frame member.

7. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is a closed continuous member or an segmented frame.

8. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is articulated to an inside face of the side walls.

9. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is configured with a generally L-shaped cross section, with a first leg portion articulated to the respective side wall of the base member and a second leg portion projecting inwards from the side walls.

10. The case according to claim 9, wherein the second leg portion of the frame member is configured with a substantially flat top surface and is suited for disposing at a face-to-face orientation with a like frame member of a cover member of the case.

11. The case according to claim 9, wherein the second leg portion of the frame member is configured with a projection-depression arrangement, for mating cooperation with a frame member of a respective cover member of the case, and configured with an opposite projection-depression arrangement.

12. The case according to claim 11, wherein the projection-depression arrangement is one or both of at least a depressed portion and at least a projecting portion configured over the second leg portion of the frame member, whereby at the closed state of the case, when a rim of the cover is rests over a rim of the base member, the frame member of the cover member interacts with the frame member of the base member.

13. The case according to claim 9, wherein the side walls of the body member and of a cover member include a frame arresting groove extending at least about a portion of the side walls and configured for articulation therein of said first leg portion of the frame member.

14. The case according to claim 1, wherein the divider and the liner are integrally molded with the frame member and can be integrally secured between a layer of plastic material extending over one of or both faces thereof.

15. The case according to claim 9, wherein the second leg portion of the frame member includes sheet gripping arrangements for improving integration and grip of the divider and the liner to the frame member.

16. The case according to claim 9, wherein the frame member is configured with a resilient gasket at the second leg portion, improving sealing and closure engagement between the frame member of the base member and of a cover member.

17. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is configured to bear laterally extending forces applied to side walls of the case, both inwardly and outwardly oriented.

18. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a base member and a cover member articulated thereto, each in turn including a frame member, said frame members bearing against each other at a closed position of the case and are configured for and bearing axial forces applied therebetween.

19. A frame member configured for articulation to an inside face of a side walls of a base member of a case, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.

20. A divider for a case, the divider being integrally molded with a frame member configured for articulation to an inside face of a side walls of a base member of a case, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a suitcase fitted with a frame member, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 1, at an open position;

[0050] FIG. 2B is an enlargement of the portion marked 2B in FIG. 2A;

[0051] FIG. 3A is a perspective view a suitcase fitted with a frame member, according to another example of the disclosure, at an open position;

[0052] FIG. 3B is an enlargement of the portion marked 3B in FIG. 3A;

[0053] FIG. 3C is an enlargement of the portion marked 3C in FIG. 3A;

[0054] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a divider in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter;

[0055] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the divider of FIG. 4 in a bottom perspective view, with FIG. 5B being an enlargement of the portion marked 5B in FIG. 5A;

[0056] FIG. 6A is a body member in accordance with a disclosed subject matter showing the receiving channel extending along portions of the body member;

[0057] FIG. 6B is an enlarged section of the channel, the section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 6A;

[0058] FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate the divider of FIG. 4 attached to the base member of FIG. 6A, with FIGS. 7B and 7C showing an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 7A and FIGS. 7D and 7E showing an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line VIII-VIII, in FIG. 7A;

[0059] FIG. 7F is a sectioned view of a portion of the suitcase seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, at a closed position;

[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates a basket-shaped liner e.g. for the body member seen in the suitcase of 2A, the liner in its folded configuration;

[0061] FIGS. 9A to 9G illustrate the basket liner of FIG. 8, in a fully deployed position (9A and 9E) with FIGS. 9B to 9G illustrating engagement portions of the basket liner frame member configured for attachment to the body member of FIG. 2A;

[0062] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a body member in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 10B being an enlargement of the portion marked 10B in FIG. 10A;

[0063] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line X-X in FIG. 10A, with a basket liner in accordance with a disclosed subject matter being disposed therein in a fully deployed configuration;

[0064] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a frame member configured with a divider and a liner, of the example seen in FIG. 2B;

[0065] FIG. 12B is an enlargement of the portion marked XII in FIG. 12A;

[0066] FIG. 12C is an enlarged sectioned view along line XII-XII in FIG. 12A;

[0067] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a cover member in accordance with another example, complimentary to body member of FIGS. 10 to 12, FIG. 13B being an enlargement of the portion marked 13B in FIG. 10A;

[0068] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 13A, with a basket liner in accordance with a disclosed subject matter being disposed therein in a fully deployed configuration;

[0069] FIGS. 15A and 15B are a sectioned perspective view and planar view along line XV-XV, of the closed suitcase seen in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Attention is directed to the annexed drawings illustrating examples of cases according to the present disclosure. Whilst the examples are directed to suitcases, and even more specifically to so called trolleys, it is appreciated that the disclosed subject matter refers to any type of case.

[0071] In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a case, namely suitcase 10 configured with a shell-like base member 12 and a mating, shell-like cover member 14 pivotally articulated thereto and closable by several latches 16. The base member 12 and the cover member 14 are both plastic molded and further comprises a telescopic handle 18 extending from a back face of the base member 12, a carrying handle 19 at a top, and four swivel wheels 20.

[0072] Each of the base member 12 and the cover member 14 has a circumferential open edge/rim designated 15 and 17, respectively.

[0073] It is appreciated that whilst in the illustrated example the base member and the cover member are shell-like elements, one or both of them can assume a substantially flat shape, however on account of reducing luggage space. The base member and the cover member can be rigid or pliable and can assume different shapes and ornamentation.

[0074] As can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the base member 12 is pivotally articulated to the cover member 14 along hinge 24, in a rigid pivotal configuration (i.e. not facilitating expansion of the effective storage space).

[0075] Unlike to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in FIGS. 3A and 3B there is illustrated a different arrangement, wherein the base member 32 is articulated to the cover member 34 by a flexible closure member, namely a zipper 36 extending around the base member and the cover member. Also, as known per se, the zipper arrangement can facilitate expansion of the effective storage space, if required.

[0076] Turning now also to FIGS. 4 to 7 there is illustrated a divider frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, generally designated 40, comprising a frame member 42 of general rectangle shape with rounded corners and conforming with the shape of the circumferential edges 15 and 17 of the base member 12 and of cover member 14, respectively. The divider is provided for dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments.

[0077] The divider frame 42 is integrated with a divider 44 during a molding process. The divider 44 is net-like (or non porous in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5) and is stretched over the frame member 42, and is configured with a zipper 46 near three edges thereof, to thereby expose and allow access to a compartment there behind.

[0078] It is appreciated that the divider can likewise be configured with one or more pockets (not shown) for storage of small articles.

[0079] The frame member 42 has an L-like cross section with a first leg portion 48 configured with openings 50 and lateral snap projections 52, whereby the first leg portion 48 is configured for snap articulation to the base member 12 or cover member 14, respectively. The second leg portion 56 is over molded with the divider 44 and extends in continuation thereto through a transition molding portion 57.

[0080] As can be seen best in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the base member 12, and the cover member 14, are configured at their respective edges 15 and 17 with a frame receptacle shaped as a duct 60 extending between and inside wall 62 and an outside wall 64, wherein at least the inside wall 62 is configured with openings 68 for snapingly receiving the lateral snap projections 52 of the first leg portion 48.

[0081] Frame member 42 is a rigid plastic molded element and once snapingly articulated to the edge 17 of base member 12, the later is rendered rigidity and sturdiness, and is also receives the divider, however concealing the frame receptacle (namely frame receptacle shaped as a duct 60 extending between and inside wall 62 and an outside wall 64), as seen best in FIGS. 7A to 7D. Further noted, the second leg portion 56 of the frame member 42 has a planar, smooth top surface 68. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that at the closed position (FIG. 7F) the top surface 68 of the frame member 42 of the cover member 14 bears over the top surface 68 of the frame member 42 of the base member 12, such that loads are born thereby, imparting the closed case rigidity.

[0082] The arrangement is such that the frame member 42 articulated to each of the base member 12 and the cover member 14, is configured to bear laterally extending forces applied to side walls of the case, both inwardly and outwardly oriented.

[0083] Furthermore, the arrangement is such that the case comprising a base member 12 and a cover member 14 articulated thereto, each in turn comprising a frame member 42, said frame members bearing against each other at a closed position of the case and are configured for and bearing axial forces applied therebetween, i.e. forces applied in a direction between the base member and the cover member.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a fabric liner generally designated 90 useful for serving as a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member, for concealing the base member and applying a cover over possibly rough surfaces of the base/cover member. Thus, the liner 90 has a three-dimensional shape generally conforming with the inside shape of the respective base member 12 or cover member 14. As seen in FIGS. 9A to 9G, the liner 90 extends from the frame member 94 and is integrally molded therewith in an over-molding process.

[0085] It is seen, however, that the liner 90 seen in Figs. Is somewhat different from liner 90 of FIG. 8 in that respect that it is configured at its four respective corners with a cutout 96, facilitating extension of securing straps extending from respective corner wall portions of the base member and cover member and used to hold contents of the suitcase in place. As will be illustrated hereinafter, the disclosure refers also to securing straps articulated to the frame member, whereby the cutouts 96 are redundant.

[0086] The frame member 94, similar to the arrangement of frame member 40 disclosed hereinabove, has a general rectangle shape with rounded corners and conforming with the shape of the circumferential edges 15 and 17 of the base member 12 and of cover member 14, respectively. However, in the present example, the frame member 94 has an annular groove 100 extending between an inner vertical circumferential leg portion 102 configured with lateral snap projections 104, and an outer circumferential leg portion 106, configured with lateral snap projections 108. A lateral top portion 112 of the frame member 94 bears over a top edge 114 of the base member 12, and further there is configured an annular depression 114 for receiving a resilient gasket 118 of the cover member (FIGS. 15A and 15B), provided for sealing and dampening the closing of the cover member 14 over the base member 12.

[0087] The liner 90 is integrally molded with a flanged, flat portion 120, extending laterally inwardly from the frame member 94, whereby at the closed position of the suitcase (FIGS. 15A and 15B) corresponding flat portions of the frame member of the cover member bear against each other.

[0088] In turn, the base member 12 (FIGS. 10 and 11) is a shell-like member with a top edge 15 configured with an annular recess 115 extending between an external vertical wall portion 117 having snap windows 119 (corresponding in location and size with projections 102 of frame member 94), and an inside vertical wall portion 119 having snap windows 121 (corresponding in location and size with projections 108 of frame member 94). Accordingly, once the frame member 94 is placed in the annular recess 115, the snaps 108 and 102 snapingly engage within respective openings 121 and 119, so that the frame member becomes arrested to the base member 12.

[0089] In FIGS. 12A to 12C, there is illustrated a to frame assembly generally designated 140, comprising a frame member 142 of general rectangle shape with rounded corners and conforming with the shape of the circumferential edges 17 of the cover member 14. In the present example, the frame member 142 has an annular tapering projection 146 (corresponding with annular groove 100 of base frame member 94), and further comprising an outer circumferential leg portion 148 configured with lateral snap projections 150, and an inner vertical annular leg portion 152 configured with lateral snap projections 154. An annular groove 158 accommodates resilient gasket 118.

[0090] Also, there is a liner 90 integrally molded with a flanged, flat portion 162, extending laterally inwardly from the frame member 142, whereby at the closed position of the suitcase (FIGS. 15A and 15B) corresponding flat portions 164 (of the cover member 14) and 120 (of the base member 12) bear against each other, as seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B, with the gasket 118 clamped over annular grove 114 of the base member frame.

[0091] It is further seen in FIGS. 12A-12C, that the frame member 142 of frame assembly 140 of the cover member 14, is integrally molded also with a divider 44 similar to the disclosure hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, and wherein said divider 44 extends from flanged, flat portion 162, integrally molded therewith in an over molding process.

[0092] The cover member 14 (FIGS. 13 and 14) is a shell-like member with a top edge 17 configured with an annular recess 125 extending between an external vertical wall portion 127 having snap windows 129 (corresponding in location and size with projections 150 of frame member 142), and an inside vertical wall portion 131 having snap windows 121 (corresponding in location and size with projections 154 of frame member 142). Accordingly, once the frame member 142 is placed in the annular recess 127, the snaps 150 and 154 snapingly engage within respective openings 121 and 129, so that the frame member becomes arrested to the base member 14.

[0093] As can thus be seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B, at the closed position of the suitcase 10 (corresponding with FIG. 1 of the drawings) the annular tapering projection 146 of the frame member 140 projects into annular groove 100 of frame member 94 and the resilient gasket 118 bears over annular grove 114, rendering the closed case a closed, sealed and reinforced position.

[0094] With reference back to FIG. 3C, the frame member 42 is fitted at its respective corners with a coupler 179 to which a securing strap can be detachably attachable by a fastener 183.