CASE AND SUPPORTING FRAME MEMBER THEREFOR

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure concerns cases and accessories therefor. More particularly the disclosure is directed to cases and an attachable supporting frame member configured for supporting and attaching pliable accessories to said case.

The term 'case ' is used herein in its broad sense and denotes, among others, luggage, suitcases, trolleys, bags, tool bags, containers and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

- US 6,073,738

- US 8,960,391

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Different cases, such as suitcases and the like, are often provided with various types of arrangements allowing the space defined by its walls to be divided and separated, at times defining compartmented sections. Further, a liner is often disposed adjacent the internal surface of the case's walls to conceal structural elements of the walls.

According to a first aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a case comprising a base member and a cover member, defining between them a case space, the base 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, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the case space into respective base and cover compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the base member

The cover member of the case may have a similar structure to that of the base member, and may also be associable with at least one of a divider and a liner as described herein.

According to a second aspect, provided is a frame member configured for articulation to an inside face of side walls of a base member of a case, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing a case space defined by the base member and a cover member into respective base and cover compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the base member.

The frame member may be configured to bear lateral forces applied to side walls of the case.

In a case comprising a base member and a cover member articulated thereto, each of which comprising a frame member, the frame members are configured to bear against one another at a closed position of the case and are configured for bearing axial forces applied therebetween.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the divider and the liner comprise a rigid frame element extending at least partially around the divider and/or liner circumference and configured for articulation of the divider or liner to side walls of the base member of the case.

According to another aspect there is provided a divider for dividing a case space into respective base and cover compartments. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the divider comprises a rigid frame element extending at least partially around its circumference, the frame being integrally molded with the divider. According to another exemplary embodiment, the divider may be configured to provide structural support to the case when attached thereto. In accordance with another embodiment, the divider is detachably attachable to the case.

According to yet an aspect, the present disclosure provides a liner for lining at least a portion of an inner surface of a case. The liner may be provided with a rigid frame element extending at least partially around its circumference. The liner can be a detachably attachable element. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the liner may have a basket-like structure having a perforated base member and at least one wall extending therefrom. The liner may be provided in a folded, substantially flat configuration and is configured to obtain a voluminous structure having a base and at least one wall extending circumferentially therefrom in its non-folded configuration.

The liner and the divider may, by some embodiments, be configured for mutual engagement and/or for detachable connection to the case.

Any one or more of the following features, design and configurations can be applied to respective aspects of the present disclosure, either separately or in various combinations thereof:

• The frame member may be snapingly articulated to the inside face of the side walls of the base member. Fasteners can be applied for securing the frame member to the side walls thereof;

• The frame member may be a solid unitary member, or a interrupted member have segments articulated to respective portions of the side walls of the case;

• The divider may be rigid, pliable or flexible. The divider may be solid or configured with portions having different rigidities;

• The divider may be configured with one or more pockets. The one or more pockets can be configured at either face of the divider. The one or more pockets can be closeable.

• The divider may be made of or include portions made of a mesh or perforated sheet material;

• The liner may have a three-dimensional shape conforming to the inside shape of the base member. According to one example the liner has a basket-like shape;

• The liner may comprise a closeable opening allowing excess into a space extending behind the liner;

• The frame member may be detachably attachable to the side walls of the base member;

• The frame member may be articulated to the rim of the side walls of the base member or below said rim;

• The frame member may be configured as a reinforcing element for imparting the base member rigidity and structural support;

• The frame member may further be configured with securing straps extending across the side walls and designed to hold contents of the case in place. The securing straps may be detachably attachable to the frame member, e.g. slidingly secured to the frame member;

• The frame member and/or the liner may be configured with openings at respective corners thereof, facilitating mounting thereof over securing straps extending from respective corners or portions of the side walls;

• The case's cover member may be pivotally articulated to the circumferential rim of the base member. According to one embodiment, the cover member is articulated to the base member by one or more snap-type fasteners. According to another embodiment the cover member is articulated to the base member by a continuous closure - e.g. a zipper;

• The cover member may be configured as a complimentary base member, increasing the storage space of the case, having side walls extending between a base and a circumferential rim configured for bearing over the circumferential rim of the base member;

• The cover member may be configured with a frame member articulated to an inside face of its side walls, 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 cover member;

• The frame member may be articulated to the rim of the base member. According to one configuration, the frame member has 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. The second leg portion of the frame member can be configured with a substantially flat top surface and is configured for disposing in a face-to-face orientation with a similar frame member of the cover member. In use, the flat top surfaces bear against each other when the cover member rests over the base member;

• Alternatively, the second leg portion of the frame member may be configured with a projection-depression arrangement, for mating association with a respective frame member of the cover member configured with an opposite projection- depression arrangement. Such an arrangement provides adequate sealing of the case and increases its rigidity. The projection-depression arrangement can be 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, such that at the closed state of the case a rim of the cover member rests over a rim of the base member and the frame member of the cover member engages the frame member of the base member;

• The side walls of the body member and of the cover member may comprise a frame-arresting groove extending about at least a portion of the side walls and configured for articulation therein of said first leg portion of the frame member;

• The divider may be formed of a flexible material having a high tensile strength with the frame member extending therearound being injection molded over the flexible material. The flexible material may be textile, mesh, perforated sheet, woven material, etc. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, canvas, cloth, leather, and polymeric materials (e.g. nylon). The frame member can be made of injected plastic or composite material, providing a rigid though pliable frame;

• The divider and liner may be integrally molded with the frame member and may be integrally secured between a layer of plastic material extending over one of or both faces thereof;

• The frame member may comprise sheet-gripping arrangements for improving integration and grip of the divider and the liner to the frame member;

• The divider and/or liner gripping arrangements may be in the form of spikes projecting through edges of the divider and liner;

• The divider and/or liner gripping arrangements may be configured as openings extending through edges of the divider and/or liner, whereby plastic material of the frame member extends through said openings;

• The divider and liner may be made of or coated with a polymeric material suitable for bonding with the frame member during an over-molding process;

• The frame member may be configured with a resilient gasket at the second leg portion configured for improving sealing and closure engagement between the frame members of the base and cover members, or between the frame member of the base member and a rim of the cover member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

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

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the suitcase of Fig. 1, at an open position;

Fig. 2B is an enlargement of the portion marked 2B in Fig. 2A;

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

Fig. 3B is an enlargement of the portion marked 3B in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3C is an enlargement of the portion marked 3C in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of a divider in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure;

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;

Fig. 6A is a base member showing the receiving channel extending along portions of the base member;

Fig. 6B is an enlarged section of the channel, the section taken along line VI - VI in Fig. 6A;

Figs 7 A 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; Figs. 7D and 7E showing an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line VIII - VIII, in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7F is a sectioned view of a portion of the suitcase seen in Figs. 3A and 3B, at a closed position;

Fig. 8 illustrates a basket-shaped liner in its folded configuration (e.g. for the base member seen in the suitcase of Fig. 2A);

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 base member of Fig. 2A; Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate a base member in accordance with another embodiment of this disclosure, Fig. 10B being an enlargement of the portion marked 10B in Fig. 10A;

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 being disposed in the case in a fully deployed configuration;

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 ;

Fig. 12B is an enlargement of the portion marked XII in Fig. 12A;

Fig. 12C is an enlarged sectioned view along line XII - XII in Fig. 12A;

Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate a cover member in accordance with another example, complimentary to the base member of Figs. 10-12, Fig. 13B being an enlargement of the portion marked 13B in Fig. 10A;

Figs. 14A and 14B illustrate an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line XIII - XIII in Fig. 13 A, with a basket liner being disposed therein in the cover member in a fully deployed configuration;

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

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.

In Fig. 1 there is illustrated a case, namely suitcase 10 configured with a shelllike 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 define between them a case space, and are both plastic molded. The case 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.

Each of the base member 12 and the cover member 14 has a circumferential open edge/rim designated 15 and 17, respectively. 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 for reducing the case space. The base member and the cover member can be rigid or pliable and can assume different shapes and ornamentations.

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).

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 rim of 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.

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 generally rectangular 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 case space into base and cover compartments.

The divider frame 42 is integrated (i.e. integrally formed) with the divider 44 during a molding process. The divider 44 is net-like (or solid in the example of Figs. 4 and 5) and is stretched over the frame member 42, and is further configured with a zipper 46 near three edges thereof, to thereby expose and allow access to a compartment there behind.

It is appreciated that the divider can likewise be configured with one or more pockets (not shown) for storage of small articles at one or both of its faces.

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 molded portion 57.

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.

Frame member 42 is a rigid plastic molded element, and once snapingly articulated to the edge 17 of the cover member 12, rendering rigidity and sturdiness to the case. This arrangement also receives the divider, however concealing the frame receptacle (namely frame receptacle 60), 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 69. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that at the closed position (Fig. 7F) the top surface 69 of the frame member 42 of the cover member 14 bears over the top surface 69 of the frame member 42 of the base member 12, such that loads are born thereby, imparting the closed case with increased rigidity.

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 lateral forces applied to side walls of the case.

Furthermore, the arrangement is such that each of the base member 12 and a cover member 14 comprises a frame member, such that in the closed position the frame members bear one against the other and are configured for bearing axial forces applied therebetween, i.e. forces applied in a direction between the base member and the cover member.

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 base 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.

It is seen, however, that the liner 90' seen in Figs. 9A to 9G 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 case in place. As will be illustrated hereinafter, the disclosure refers also to securing straps articulated to the frame member, whereby the cutouts 96 are not needed. The frame member 94, similar to the arrangement of frame member 42 disclosed hereinabove, has a general rectangular 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 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.

The liner 90' is integrally molded with a flanged, flat portion 120, extending laterally inwardly (i.e. towards the case space) from the frame member 94, such that corresponding flat portions of the frame member of the cover member bear against each other when in the closed position of the case (Figs. 15A and 15B).

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 118 (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.

In Figs. 12A to 12C, there is illustrated a frame assembly generally designated 140, comprising a frame member 142 of generally rectangular 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.

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

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.

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 groove 100, the snaps 150 and 154 snapingly engage within respective openings 121 and 129, so that the frame member becomes arrested to the cover member 14.

As can thus be seen in Figs. 15A and 15B, at the closed position of the case 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 with a closed, sealed and reinforced position.

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.