EP3998898B1 - Item of luggage provided with a vacuum storage bag - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of luggage and in particular hand luggage, also called cabin baggage, which is authorized in the cabin of an aircraft.

Prior art

A well-known type of baggage used by travelers is carry-on baggage, also called cabin baggage.

Traditionally, such hand luggage comprises a shell composed of a first half-shell and a second half-shell, the first and second half-shells being mounted to each other in a pivoting manner, the luggage at hand comprising a closing device for holding the first and second half-shells against each other in order to close the shell. This type of luggage has at least two casters, each of the casters being mounted on a support, the first half-shell comprising two housings for receiving the caster supports,

The shell can be made of plastic, metal or textile.

The advantage of hand baggage lies in the fact that the traveler is exempt from the baggage check-in procedure, thanks to which he can board and disembark more quickly than the traveler who must check his baggage before boarding, and the collect on arrival on the airport baggage carousel.

Hand luggage, however, has reduced dimensions; the standard size of cabin baggage, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is 55x35x20cm.

The volume of objects transportable with cabin baggage is therefore low, which significantly limits the use of such baggage.

The document US 2013/292221 describes luggage comprising a vacuum storage device disposed in the first half-shell, the vacuum storage device comprising a cover having a main compartment provided with an opening, a closing device for closing the main compartment, and a fitted non-return valve so as to block the entry of air into the main compartment and allow air to escape from the cover when the main compartment is closed, the luggage further comprises a fixing device for removably fixing the storage device vacuum to the first half-shell.

On the other hand, it has a complex and expensive structure.

Presentation of the invention

An aim of the present invention is to provide luggage, for example hand luggage, allowing more objects to be transported than traditional luggage of the same size and having a less complex structure than document luggage. US 2013/292221 .

The invention achieves its aim by the fact that the fixing device comprises a first fixing member and a second fixing member, the first half-shell comprising the first fixing member while the vacuum storage device comprises the second member fixing device, the first and second fixing members being arranged to cooperate with one another in order to attach the storage device to the first half-shell, the vacuum storage device further comprising a stiffening plate comprising a body and at least a first end portion which is tiltable relative to the body, and the first fixing member comprises at least a first holding element cooperating with the first end portion in order to hold the stiffening plate relative to the first half-shell.

It is understood that the user can place bulky objects, for example ski clothing, in the storage device and reduce their volume by removing the air contained in the main compartment of the cover. To do this, the user closes the main compartment of the cover using the closing device then exerts pressure on the closed cover, which has the effect of forcing the air out through the non-return valve. After the user has compressed the objects, they have a reduced volume and do not return to their usual volume until the cover has been opened. Objects are less bulky in their compressed state, so it is possible to place more objects in the luggage according to the invention than in conventional luggage of the same size.

Furthermore, the fixing device ensures that the cover remains correctly positioned in the first half-shell while the user inserts objects into the main compartment, but also during the subsequent step of compressing the cover.

The placement of the objects in the cover and the compression of the latter is therefore carried out while the storage device is in the first half-shell. One of the advantages of the invention is that the compressed objects take the shape of the first half-shell during compression, which makes it possible to maximize the volume occupied by the compressed objects in the first half-shell. The first half-shell is advantageously rigid and does not deform when objects are placed in place or compressed therein.

The fixing device allows removable fixing, thanks to which it is easily possible to replace the storage device if necessary.

Thanks to the invention, the user can thus quickly and correctly position the vacuum storage device in the first half-shell by engaging the second fixing member with the first fixing member.

It is understood that the stiffening plate is held by the first holding element, which thus ensures that the vacuum storage device is held in place relative to the shell. The body of the plate is arranged between the first holding element and the bottom wall of the first half-shell, while the first end portion is engaged between the first holding element and the first side wall of the first half -shell, the first end portion being substantially orthogonal to the body of the plate.

Preferably, the stiffening plate is attached to the cover. More preferably, the cover comprises a secondary compartment, arranged between the main compartment and the shell, the stiffening plate being housed in said secondary compartment.

According to one embodiment, the first half-shell has an interior wall covered with a protective fabric, and the first fixing member is integral with said protective fabric.

This protective cloth constitutes a clean layer to prevent the vacuum storage device from coming into direct contact with the interior wall of the first half-shell. The protective canvas also makes it possible to hide the housings receiving the caster supports which protrude inside the half-shell.

According to another variant, the first fixing member is integral with the wall of the first half-shell.

Preferably, the fixing device further comprises a second holding element, secured to the first half-shell - or to the protective canvas - and placed on the opposite wall. This second holding element is configured to cooperate with a second end portion of the stiffening plate, opposite the first end portion.

In this embodiment, the storage device is therefore held at least by the first holding element cooperating with the first end portion of the stiffening plate, and preferably by the first and second holding elements cooperating with the first and second end portions of the stiffening plate.

Preferably, the body extends over a bottom wall of the first half-shell, while the first end portion extends along a side wall of the first half-shell, and the first holding element is arranged on the first side wall. The body of the stiffening plate is arranged between the first and second holding elements on the one hand, and the bottom wall on the other hand, which makes it possible to improve the holding of the cover in the first half-shell.

Another advantage is to be able to wedge the storage device at least against one side wall of the first half-shell, preferably against opposite side walls, which makes it possible to prevent the storage device from tossing around in the first half-shell.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first holding element is integral with the protective canvas.

More preferably, the first holding element is an elastic band. An advantage is to facilitate the installation and removal of the cover. The first end portion is held between the first holding element and the first side wall.

Preferably, the body of the stiffening plate is placed in the secondary compartment, while the first end portion extends outside the secondary compartment.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the two housings project from the side wall towards the inside of the first half-shell, and the first end portion has a length equal to or slightly less than the distance separating the two housings so that the first end portion engages between the two housings.

This assembly has the effect that the first end portion is maintained between the housings. An advantage is to further improve the stable positioning of the stiffening plate in the first half-shell.

Preferably, the width of the body is greater than the length of the first end portion. According to a preferred conformation, the longitudinal edges of the body come into contact with or at least near the edge walls of the first half-shell, these edge walls being orthogonal to the side wall, which further improves the positioning and the maintaining the storage device of the first half-shell.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the vacuum storage device comprises a stiffening plate which is arranged between the second fixing member and the main compartment. Preferably, the first fixing member is then located on a bottom wall of the first half-shell.

Advantageously, the stiffening plate is placed in a secondary compartment of the storage device and the second fixing member is fixed to a wall of the secondary compartment.

This secondary compartment is preferably arranged below the main compartment. The first fixing device is preferentially fixed to the protective canvas when it is present.

This assembly ensures good retention of the stiffening plate against the bottom wall of the first half-shell.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second fixing members comprise a loop/hook type fixing system.

The first fixing member can be fixed to the protective canvas or directly to the wall of the first half-shell, while the second fixing member is integral with the wall of the secondary compartment receiving the stiffening plate.

According to another advantageous aspect, the luggage further comprises a vacuum device, preferably housed in a pocket of the luggage.

The baggage is preferably cabin baggage.

Preferably, it further comprises a telescopic gripping member mounted on the first half-shell of the shell. This gripping member may also include a handle for handling the luggage. In addition, the second half-shell may also include casters.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1 ] la figure 1 illustre un bagage conforme à la présente invention, avant la compression des objets contenus dans la housse ;
• [Fig. 2 ] la figure 2 illustre le dispositif de rangement selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, montrant l'insertion de la plaque de rigidification dans son logement ;
• [Fig. 3 ] la figure 3 illustre les portions d'extrémité de la plaque de rigidification de la figure 2 , en position pliée ;
• [Fig. 4 ] la figure 4 illustre la coque du bagage selon le premier mode de réalisation, en position ouverte, sans le dispositif de rangement ;
• [Fig. 5 ] la figure 5 illustre la mise en place du dispositif de rangement dans la première demi-coque de la coque de la figure 4 ;
• [Fig. 6 ] la figure 6 est une vue de détail de l'engagement de l'une des portions d'extrémité de la plaque de rigidification avec la bande élastique ;
• [Fig. 7 ] la figure 7 montre le maintien de l'une des portions d'extrémité par la bande élastique ;
• [Fig. 8 ] la figure 8 illustre un deuxième mode de réalisation du bagage selon l'invention, le dispositif de fixation comportant un système à boucles et crochets ; et
• [Fig. 9 ] la figure 9 illustre le bagage de la figure 8 , après mise en place du dispositif de rangement dans la première demi-coque.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 illustrates luggage according to the present invention, before the compression of the objects contained in the cover;
• [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 illustrates the storage device according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing the insertion of the stiffening plate in its housing;
• [ Fig. 3 ] there Figure 3 illustrates the end portions of the stiffening plate of the figure 2 , in folded position;
• [ Fig. 4 ] there Figure 4 illustrates the shell of the luggage according to the first embodiment, in the open position, without the storage device;
• [ Fig. 5 ] there Figure 5 illustrates the installation of the storage device in the first half-shell of the hull of the Figure 4 ;
• [ Fig. 6 ] there Figure 6 is a detailed view of the engagement of one of the end portions of the stiffening plate with the elastic band;
• [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 shows the retention of one of the end portions by the elastic band;
• [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the luggage according to the invention, the fixing device comprising a hook and loop system; And
• [ Fig. 9 ] there Figure 9 illustrates the baggage of the figure 8 , after installation of the storage device in the first half-shell.

detailed description

On the figure 1 , we have illustrated a baggage 10, of the hand luggage type for cabin, which comprises a shell 12 composed of a first half-shell 14 and a second shell 16. In a manner known elsewhere, the first and second half-shells shells 14, 16 are pivotally mounted to each other along a common edge 18 illustrated in dotted lines on the figure 1 . The first and second half-shells 14, 16 each include a peripheral free edge, these two peripheral free edges 20, 22 bearing against each other when the shell is in the closed position. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the baggage could however have a larger size, and be placed in the hold.

In known manner, the luggage 10 further comprises a closing device 24, for example a zipper, which comprises two complementary portions each extending along the peripheral edges 20, 22 of the first and second half-shells.

We understand that the closing device 24 has the function of holding the first and second half-shells against each other in order to close the shell 12.

The luggage 10 also includes first and second wheels 26, 28 which are connected to the first half-shell 14. As illustrated in figure 1 , we see that the second half-shell also has casters.

The first caster 26 is mounted on a first support 30, while the second caster 28 is mounted on a second support 32. The first half-shell also comprises a first receiving member 34 for receiving the first support 30, and a second receiving member 36 for receiving the second support 32.

These receiving organs 34 and 36 are better visible on the figure 2 which only illustrates the shell of luggage 10.

As we see on the figure 2 , the receiving members preferably have the shape of boxes which project inside the first half-shell 14.

In known manner, the first caster (respectively the second caster) is rotatably mounted around its axis of rotation relative to the first support (respectively the second support), the first support (respectively the second support) being rotatably mounted by relative to the first receiving member (respectively the second receiving member) around an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first caster (respectively the second caster).

The first and second receiving members therefore include means for holding the supports while allowing them to rotate around their axes of rotation.

The first and second receiving members therefore have a certain bulk to the extent that they project inside the volume of the first half-shell. This particular conformation is due to the fact that we want the first and second rollers to be arranged as close as possible to the first half-shell 14.

In known manner, the first and second receiving members 34, 36 are constituted by attached parts which are secured to the first half-shell. The housings can also be defined by recesses of the first half-shell, which is particularly when the latter is produced by molding or extrusion.

As illustrated in figure 2 , the first half-shell 14 comprises a bottom wall 40 and a peripheral wall 42 which encircles the bottom wall 40. The peripheral wall 42 is composed of a first side wall 44 from which the first and second casters extend 28, a second side wall 46, opposite the first side wall 44, and two parallel edge walls 48, 50 which extend along the length of the first half-shell 14.

In accordance with the invention, the luggage 10 further comprises a vacuum storage device 60, illustrated in figures 3 and 4 , which is intended to be placed in the first half-shell 14. The installation of the vacuum storage device 60 in the first half-shell 14 is illustrated in particular in figures 5 to 7 .

The vacuum storage device 60 comprises a stiffening plate 62, for example made of cardboard, as well as a cover 64 into which the user inserts the objects to be compressed. Cover 64 includes a main compartment 68 provided with an opening 70 through which the objects are introduced. The cover also includes a secondary compartment 66 in which the stiffening plate 62 is placed. To close the main compartment 68, the cover includes a closing device 72.

In this example, and in known manner, the closing device 72 consists of two end edges 74, 76 which delimit the opening, these two edges 74, 76 are provided with longitudinal grooves and ribs of complementary shapes which come engage with each other thanks to the action of a slider 78 which is moved along the length of the end edges.

In the example of the Figure 3 , the main compartment 68 is shown in its open state.

The vacuum storage device 60 further comprises a non-return valve 80 which is arranged so as to block the entry of air into the main compartment but allow air to escape from the cover when the main compartment is closed .

In the example of the figure 1 , the user lets the air out of the main compartment of the cover by rolling the cover up on itself. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the evacuation of the air from the cover can be carried out using a vacuum cleaner or a pump.

In accordance with the invention, the luggage 10 further comprises a fixing device 90 for removably fixing the vacuum storage device 60 to the first half-shell 14.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 2 to 7 , the stiffening plate 62 comprises a body 63, a first end portion 65 which is tiltable relative to the body along a folding line 65 a. In this example, the folding line 65 a extends along the width l of the stiffening plate 62. The stiffening plate 62 further comprises a second end portion 67, opposite the first end portion 65, which is also tiltable relative to the body 63 along a folding line 67 a which extends along the width of the stiffening plate 62.

As seen on the figure 1 , the width l of the body 63 is greater than the length A of the first end portion 65.

Furthermore, the length B of the body 63 is substantially equal to the length L of the secondary compartment 66 so that, when the stiffening plate is placed in the secondary compartment 66, the first and second end portions 65 and 67 project outside the secondary compartment 66. On the Figure 4 , the first and second wing-shaped end portions 65, 67 extend substantially perpendicular to the body 63 so as to flank the secondary compartment 66.

We therefore understand that the total flat length of the stiffening plate, referenced C in Figure 3 , is greater than the length B of body 63.

We will now describe in detail an exemplary embodiment of the fixing device 90.

In the example of figures 2 to 7 , the fixing device 90, visible in figures 5 And 6 , comprises a first fixing member 92 which is arranged in the first half-shell 14, and a second fixing member 94 which is integral with the vacuum storage device 60. As will be explained below, the first and second members fixing devices 92, 94 are arranged to cooperate with each other in order to secure the storage device with the first half-shell 14.

The first fixing member 92 is integral with the interior wall 15 of the first half-shell 14.

In this example, the first fixing member 92 comprises a first holding element 96 which consists of an elastic band which extends between the first and second receiving members 34, 36. This elastic band is fixed to the first wall side or, where applicable, to the protective canvas which covers it.

The first holding element is fixed to the peripheral wall 42 of the first half-shell, for example by means of rivets 97 arranged at each of the ends of the elastic band.

The second fixing member 94 comprises the first end portion 65 described above. With the help of the Figure 6 , we understand that when the storage device is installed in the first half-shell 14, the body 63 of the stiffening plate housed in the secondary compartment 66 extends over the bottom wall 40 of the first half-shell 14, while the first end portion 65 is substantially in support against the first side wall 44 of the first half-shell. The first holding element 96, arranged on the first side wall 44, is arranged so that the first end portion 65 is held by being sandwiched between the elastic band 96 and the first side wall 44. A second holding element , similar to the first holding element is arranged on the second side wall in order to cooperate with the second end portion. As a result, the stiffening plate is held relative to the first half-shell 14. We further note that the body of the plate is located between the first and second holding elements and the bottom wall, so that the holding elements prevent the cover from being removed from the first half-shell.

Furthermore, we note that the two receiving members 34, 36 in the form of a box, which project from the first side wall 44 towards the inside of the first half-shell are arranged on either side of the first element of holding 96. In other words, the length A of the first end portion 65 is less than the distance separating the two receiving members 34, 36 so that the first end portion 65 engages between the two holding members 34, 36. reception.

In figures 8 And 9 , a second embodiment of the luggage according to the invention has been illustrated.

In this second embodiment, the stiffening plate 62 has a rectangular shape so as to be entirely housed in the secondary compartment 66. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the stiffening plate could include end portions in the shape of wings similar to those of the first embodiment.

In this second embodiment, the first fixing member 92 is made up of Velcro ^® type strips fixed to the bottom wall 90 of the first half-shell 14. The second fixing member 94 is also made up of complementary Velcro ^® strips , which are fixed to one face 61 of the secondary compartment 66, as illustrated in Figure 9 . When the first and second fixing members 92 and 94 are engaged together, the stiffening plate 62 is made integral of the bottom wall 40 of the first half-shell 14, as illustrated in figure 10 .

Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the fixing device 90 of the first embodiment could also be combined with that of the second embodiment.

Claims (14)

1. A luggage (10) including a shell (12) composed of a first half-shell (14) and of a second half-shell (16), the first and second half-shells (14, 16) being pivotally mounted on each other, the luggage (10) including:

   a closing device (24) for holding the first and second half-shells (14, 16) against each other in order to close the shell,

   at least two casters (26, 28), each of the casters being mounted on a support (30), the first half-shell (14) including two housings for receiving the supports of the casters (30, 32),

   a vacuum stowage device (60) disposed in the first half-shell (14), the vacuum stowage device (60) including a cover (64) with a main compartment (68) provided with an opening (70), a sealing device (72) for sealing the main compartment (68), and a check valve (80) arranged so as to block the entry of air into the main compartment and allow a release of air out of the cover (64) when the main compartment (68) is sealed, and a fixing device (90) for removably fixing the vacuum stowage device (60) to the first half-shell (14), the fixing device (90) including a first fixing member (92) and a second fixing member (94), the first half-shell (14) comprising the first fixing member while the vacuum stowage device (60) includes the second fixing member, the first and second fixing members (92, 94) being arranged to cooperate with each other in order to attach the stowage device (60) to the first half-shell (14);

   the luggage (10) further including a stiffening plate (62), the luggage (10) being characterized in that said stiffening plate (62) includes a body (63) and at least a first end portion (65) which is tiltable relative to the body (63), in that the second fixing member comprises the first end portion, and in that the first fixing member (90) includes at least a first holding element (96) cooperating with the first end portion (65) in order to hold the stiffening plate (62) relative to the first half-shell (14).
2. The luggage (10) according to claim 1, wherein the body (63) extends over a bottom wall (40) of the first half-shell (14), while the first end portion (65) extends along a first side wall (44) of the first half-shell (14), and wherein the first holding element (96) is disposed on the first side wall (44).
3. The luggage according to claim 2, wherein the first end portion (65) is held between the first holding element (96) and the first side wall (44).
4. The luggage according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the body (63) is disposed between the first holding element and the bottom wall.
5. The luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding element (96) is an elastic tape.
6. The luggage according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fixing member (90) includes a second holding element cooperating with a second end portion (67) of the plate.
7. The luggage (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two housings protrude from the side wall (44) towards the inside of the first half-shell (14), and wherein the first end portion (65) has a length (A) equal to or slightly smaller than the distance separating the two housings so that the first end portion engages between the two housings.
8. The luggage (10) according to claim 7, wherein the width (I) of the body is greater than the length (A) of the first end portion (65).
9. The luggage (10) including a shell (12) composed of a first half-shell (14) and of a second half-shell (16), the first and second half-shells (14, 16) being pivotally mounted on each other, the luggage (10) including:

   a closing device (24) for holding the first and second half-shells (14, 16) against each other in order to close the shell,

   at least two casters (26, 28), each of the casters being mounted on a support (30), the first half-shell (14) including two housings for receiving the supports of the casters (30, 32),

   a vacuum stowage device (60) disposed in the first half-shell (14), the vacuum stowage device (60) including a cover (64) with a main compartment (68) provided with an opening (70), a sealing device (72) for sealing the main compartment (68), and a check valve (80) arranged so as to block the entry of air into the main compartment and allow a release of air out of the cover (64) when the main compartment (68) is sealed, and a fixing device (90) for removably fixing the vacuum stowage device (60) to the first half-shell (14), the fixing device (90) including a first fixing member (92) disposed in the first half-shell (14), and a second fixing member (94) secured to the vacuum stowage device (60), the first and second fixing members (92, 94) being arranged to cooperate with each other in order to attach the stowage device (60) to the first half-shell (14);

   the vacuum stowage device further including a stiffening plate (62),

   the luggage (10) being characterized in that the stiffening plate is disposed between the second fixing member (94) and the main compartment.
10. The luggage (10) according to claim 9, wherein the stiffening plate (62) is disposed in a secondary compartment (66) of the cover and wherein the second fixing member (94) is fixed to a wall of the secondary compartment.
11. The luggage (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first and second fixing members (90, 94) include a loop/hook type fixing system.
12. The luggage (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vacuuming device, preferably housed in a pocket of the luggage.
13. The luggage (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fixing member (92) is secured to the inner wall (15) of the first half-shell (14).
14. The luggage (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the first half-shell has an inner wall covered with a protective canvas, and the first fixing member is secured to said protective canvas.

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