Description

Field of the art

The present invention refers to the field of devices adapted for the transport of personal belongings. More in detail, the present invention refers to a particular suitcase type with characteristics such to render the present suitcase versatile with regard to its modes of transport, compactible and capable of keeping its contents under vacuum. All of this while optimizing the spaces contained inside the suitcase and overall occupied by the suitcase itself.

State of the art

It is known that each time one prepares for a trip, it is necessary to confront the annoying problem of limited space in the suitcase. Often, in order to facilitate the preparation of the suitcase and be able to bring all that is necessary for a sojourn far from home, it is possible to employ systems that allow bringing the greatest number of items therewith. In most cases, this involves placing clothes under vacuum. Suitable bags, specific for placing under vacuum clothing garments and house linens, have been on the market for several years. More specifically, these bags are made of strong plastic material, they are provided with hermetic closure and a particular valve that allows the suction of the air from inside the bag, hence placing the bag contents under vacuum. More in detail, in the preparation of a suitcase by using the aforesaid vacuum bags, the following is required: carefully folding the garments inside the bag, arranging them on top of each other; sealing the edge of the bag containing the garments; and finally suctioning the air. The suction of the air occurs due to particular specially-designed valves that are made to be compatible with most vacuum cleaners on the market. More in detail, the suction outlet is such to be easily inserted in the suitable slot of the valve. By subsequently actuating the vacuum cleaner, in a short period of time it is possible to remove the air and obtain a bag containing the garments in a very compacted form. With the possibility to insert multiple bags inside the suitcase, it is clear that it is consequently possible to insert a greater number of garments in a suitcase. In recent years, in addition to the aforesaid plastic bags, other devices and systems have been designed, made and sold which, by always exploiting the vacuum technique, allow transporting a large amount of items in a suitcase by optimizing the spaces.

For example, the document US006135253A describes a suitcase with an air seal covering that, upon collapsing, compresses bulky items such as some types of clothes, and at the same time increases the capacity of the suitcase itself.

The document US008251192B 1 instead describes a particular suitcase provided with a system that, when electrically powered, creates a vacuum inside the suitcase itself, after various items have been placed therein. In this manner, the dirty clothes can be kept and transported together with the clean clothes, without the latter being impregnated with foul odors possibly emanated from the dirty clothes. More in detail, the air removed with the electrically-powered vacuum generation system allows removing, from inside the suitcase, the possibly smelly air released by the dirty clothes. All this occurs while allowing the containment, inside the same compartment, of both clean and dirty garments. These and other solutions have been recently obtained for removing the air inside a suitcase in order to optimize the spaces and thus be able to contain and transport a greater number of items of interest inside the suitcase itself. Nevertheless, even if the inventions proposed up to now undoubtedly solve the confronted technical problem, they have not encountered considerable commercial success. In addition, many of such inventions provide for the use of means outside the suitcase itself in order to create the vacuum therein. More specifically, these suitcases generally provided for the use of electrical power systems that power supply the air- suction motors. This reduces the volume occupied by the items contained in the suitcase and overall optimizes the available internal space. Even if effective, though, these systems are not particularly popular with users, probably due to their poor practicality of use: the user must in fact be near a current socket, which must also be compatible with the provided electrical connector. It is in fact known that home current does not have the same voltage in all countries. In Italy, for example, the home current is associated with a voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz, while in the USA the voltage is 110 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. This means that if one wishes to use Italian electronic devices in the United States, adapters and sometimes even transformers are necessary, which make the local sockets compatible with the connectors of the Italian devices. A further aspect to be evaluated, of considerable importance for travelers and especially for those traveling via airplane, is that relative to the size of the luggage, and in particular the size of the hand luggage. It is in fact known that many airline companies set restrictive rules regarding hand luggage transport, both with regard to the type of items to be transported, and with regard to the size which necessarily depends on the volume of the overhead compartments above the airplane seats, and in particular on the volume of available space therein. Hence, many travelers would love to bring their luggage with them on the airplane, thus avoiding the risk of losing a checked bag and the nearly inevitable loss of time required for picking up luggage on the conveyor belt after landing. For such purpose, the object of the present industrial invention patent application, described in detail hereinbelow, is to propose a new and original suitcase type comprising characteristics that allow solving the problems pertaining to the transport of items in relatively small spaces.

Description of the invention

The present description refers to a new and innovative suitcase type with characteristics such to allow transporting relatively bulky objects in relatively small spaces. The present suitcase comprises, more in detail, characteristics that advantageously allow transporting it in various ways, and in particular as a trolley, briefcase and shoulder bag.

Advantageously, the suitcase, object of the present invention, comprises characteristics which allow putting it away, when it is not used, such that it occupies a volume of space decidedly smaller than that relative to most of the suitcases, handbags, bags or backpacks currently available on the market.

Advantageously said suitcase also comprises characteristics that allow protecting the items contained therein from possible damage due to impact, even if comprising portions made of soft and hence non-rigid material.

Advantageously said suitcase comprises systems that allow evacuating air from its interior, thus allowing the transportation, with the aid of systems and expedients of known type, of a greater quantity of items, and making the suitcase smaller overall, even when this is in its use configuration, hence containing the items to be transported.

Advantageously, the present suitcase comprises some portions covered with a "foldable/crumplable" fabric that allows hiding possible blemishes in the fabric, and in the design overall, which could appear after the suction of the air from the suitcase interior. All of the above confers considerable aesthetic value to the present suitcase.

More in detail, said suitcase substantially comprises a bag, openable and closeable with systems of known type, and an integrated or integratable - and thus removable - trolley- shaped handle associated with said bag. The bag of the present suitcase can have a profile defined by any closed curve or polygonal form; nevertheless, in the course of the present description reference will made, by way of a non-limiting example, to a suitcase comprising a bag with circular profile, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Still more in detail, the present suitcase comprises a bag with circular profile having a lower circular flat portion, an upper circular flat portion and a central circular portion joining said upper and lower circular portions. Said central circular portion is extended in the plane orthogonal to those in which the aforesaid upper and lower circular portions are extended.

In proximity to the edge of the upper circular portion, or even at mid-height of the central circular portion, the system for opening/closing the suitcase can be situated. Said system is represented by a conventional opening/closing system, like that obtainable with a common hinge, so long as it is able to ensure the vacuum seal if - once the items to be transported have been placed in the suitcase - the air is suctioned from inside said suitcase.

Inside, the suitcase comprises at least one compartment, preferably at least two and still more preferably a plurality of compartments in which the items are arranged as desired. In addition, said suitcase comprises at least one compartment, from among said compartments, which is provided with at least one and preferably with a plurality of containers, made of flexible and optically transparent material in which the items - typically these are bulky garments like wool sweaters - can be inserted and from which the air can be evacuated. All of the above reduces the volume of space occupied by the garments and increases the possibility to fill the suitcase with a greater quantity of items. On the external surface of any one of the lower, upper or central circular portions, a valve can also be situated to which a common mini- aspirator can be adapted, possibly provided with the suitcase itself, adapted to allow removing air once the items are placed inside the bag. In some embodiments, said bag is made of flexible fabric. In this manner, the suitcase itself will occupy a smaller volume of space when air is evacuated from its interior.

The suitcase, object of the present industrial invention patent application, is substantially characterized in that it comprises a pleated covering fabric that allows hiding possible blemishes possibly imparted to the suitcase by the natural shape of the objects contained therein and which are even more evident when air is evacuated from the suitcase interior. In addition, the suitcase, object of the present application, is characterized in that the trolley- shaped handle associated thereto is windable around the suitcase itself.

Brief description of the drawings

FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the suitcase 1, object of the present industrial invention patent application. More in detail, figure 1(a) shows that said suitcase 1 substantially comprises the bag 2 - which in the figure in question has circular profile - and the trolley- shaped handle 3. Said handle 3 has a profile similar to that of an overturned "S" and comprises wheels 200 on its lower portion 3' . In the case of the figure in question, said wheels 200 are retractable wheels of various size. In particular the front wheels 200 are larger than the rear wheels 200, or vice versa. With a rotary movement, said wheels can be positioned on the surfaces of the bag. In this spatial configuration, the wheels 200 have a further functional role: they in fact contribute to protecting the bag 2 and the items contained therein from possible damage due to accidental impact that can compromise the safety of the contents of the bag 2 when this is made of a flexible fabric. Said wheels 200 are for such purpose slightly convex (fig. 1(d)). At any rate and in other embodiments, the wheels 200 can also be common wheels or ball wheels that allow moving the suitcase in all directions. By observing figure 1(a), it is noted that the bag 2 of the suitcase 1 is entirely covered with a stretch fabric 8 (fig. 1(b)) comprising an arrangement of pleats 9 adapted to hide possible defects found on the bag 2 when said bag 2 contains items of various type. Said defects tend to increase when the air is evacuated from said bag 2 and when said bag 2 is made of a flexible fabric rather than a rigid material. The bag 2 is provided, on any one of its external surfaces, with a valve 7 adaptable to a common aspirator. Preferably, said suitcase 1 comprises a mini-aspirator 100 (fig. 1(c)). Figure 1 substantially shows the main components characterizing the object of the invention, i.e. the aforesaid fabric 8 adapted to hide the defects presented by the flexible material with which the bag 2 is made in some embodiments and due to the fact that said flexible material tends to show the profile of the items contained in the bag 2; and the trolley- shaped handle 3. Said handle 3 characterizes the suitcase 1 since it is windable around said bag 2, overall rendering the entire suitcase 1 more compactible and less bulky.

FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of the suitcase 1. More in detail figure 2(a) shows a perspective view of the bag 2 in closed configuration. Said bag 2 comprises a lower circular portion 2', an upper circular portion 2" and a central circular portion 2' " . The latter is joined to the lower circular portion 2' at the lower circular edge 4, and to the upper circular portion 2" at the upper circular edge 5. Said lower 4 and upper 5 circular edges each comprise a core made of a material that is flexible but sufficiently rigid to impart the desired profile to the bag 2, preferably a circular profile. Figure 2(a) also shows that said bag 2 is provided with a common opening/closing system 6 for the vacuum. Figure 2(b) instead shows a perspective view of the trolley- shaped handle 3. As can be observed from the figure, said handle 3 has a profile similar to that of an overturned "S" and comprises three portions: a lower curved portion 3', an upper curved portion 3" and an upper end 3" ', suitably perforated, adapted to act as a grip during the transport of the suitcase 1. Said handle 3 is made of a material that is sufficiently flexible to allow the winding of said handle around the bag 2. At the same time, the material constituting said handle 3 also confers a certain rigidity which is such to allow said handle 3 to protect, when wound around the bag 2, the bag itself and the objects contained therein from possible damage due to possible impact that might accidentally affect the suitcase 1. The handle 3, in some embodiments of the invention is telescopic or alternatively modulatable. These characteristics have proven particularly useful and advantages when putting away the suitcase 1, when it is not used. In this manner, all its components will occupy a relatively small volume of space. Figure 2(b) shows the modular character of the handle 3 at the joint 3" " . The assembly occurs with common component fitting mechanisms.

FIGURE 3 shows a plan view of the bag 2 of the suitcase 1 when said bag 2 is in open configuration. More in detail, the figure in question shows that said bag 2 internally comprises at least one compartment 10, preferably a plurality of compartments 10, in which the items to be placed in said bag 2 can be arranged as desired. In addition, said bag comprises at least one compartment 10', preferably central, comprising at least one flexible vacuum container 11, and preferably a plurality of flexible vacuum containers 11, in which items of interest are previously placed, typically garments like bulky sweaters. For such purpose, each container 11 is provided with a vacuum valve 1 . In addition, each container 11 is internally provided with a mesh bag 11" extractible from said container and adapted to protect the latter from contact with possibly dirty items, said mesh bag 11" being in fact washable in the washing machine, unlike the containers 11 which are preferably fixed to the suitcase 1.

FIGURE 4 shows a detailed and enlarged view of a section of the trolley-shaped handle 3 comprised in the present suitcase 1. More in detail, the figure in question shows that said handle 3 laterally comprises concave edges 12 shaped like tracks and such to receive the convex profile of the lower 4 and upper 5 circular edges. Said edges are in fact partially inserted, fit and fixed in said concave edges 12.

FIGURE 5 shows a perspective view of the suitcase 1 when the bag 2 is in closed configuration and when the handle 3 is wound around said bag 2. As is observed from the figure, the suitcase 1 is a highly compact structure, not bulky with respect to conventional suitcases. The figure also shows that said suitcase 1 comprises, on the external surface of the central circular portion 2: a coupling system 13 for the handle 3 on the surface of the central circular portion 2" '; at least one handle 14 adapted to allow transporting said briefcase- shaped suitcase 1; and at least two loops 15 adapted to allow the coupling of a provided shoulder belt 300, and thus allow transporting the shoulder bag-shaped suitcase 1. For such purpose, the handle 3 has a suitable perforation 16 adapted to allow the passage of a corresponding loop 15 present on the bag 2. All of the above without altering the design and the functionality of the object of the invention. In the very compact form represented in the figure in question, the suitcase 1 is such to protect the items contained therein from possible damage due to possible impact, which could accidentally affect the bag 2. This risk is reduced since the handle 3, being provided with a certain rigidity, allows protecting the bag 2 when said handle is spatially configured so as to wind around the central circular portion 2" ' of said bag 2. The figure in question also shows the presence of the wheels 200 resting on the surfaces of the suitcase 1. In this spatial configuration, said wheels 200 contribute to protecting the bag 2 and the items contained therein from possible damage.

Description of the preferred embodiments

In its preferred embodiment, the suitcase 1, object of the present industrial invention patent application, substantially comprises an openable and closeable bag 2 and a trolley- shaped handle 3 associated with said bag 2. Said bag 2 generally has a profile defined by any closed curve or polygonal form, but in the preferred embodiment of the invention said bag 2 has circular profile. Therefore, reference will be made to said profile in the course of the present description.

By placing the suitcase 1 on a flat surface such as the floor of a room - as one generally proceeds when it is time to fill a suitcase - it is possible to identify in the structure of said bag 2 a lower circular portion 2', an upper circular portion 2" and a central circular portion 2" '. The lower 2' and upper 2" circular portions are parallel to each other and parallel to the support surface, hence to the floor, while the central circular portion 2" ' is interposed between said lower 2' and upper 2" circular portions. The central circular portion 2" ' is more precisely extended orthogonal to the aforesaid two lower and upper circular portions. Said central circular portion 2' " is joined to the lower circular portion 2' at the lower circular edge 4 of the bag 2, and to the upper circular portion 2' ' at the upper circular edge 5. Said lower 4 and upper 5 circular edges each comprise a core made of a relatively flexible but sufficiently rigid material in order to impart the circular profile to the bag 2. In many embodiments, the other portions of the bag 2 are instead made of fabric. Said fabric is represented by a material which is such to keep the vacuum, or it is internally covered with a layer of flexible material capable of keeping the vacuum. Alternatively, the bag 2 has its portions made of rigid and non-deformable material. Preferably the material is a fabric which as such allows giving rise to a smaller suitcase when air is evacuated from its bag 2. In proximity to the upper circular edge 5, or even at mid-height of the central circular portion 2" ', an opening/closing system 6 is situated that runs nearly over the entire circular perimeter of the bag 2. Said opening/closing system 6 is represented by a common opening/closing system for the vacuum, i.e. by a system that is such to ensure that bag 2 keeps the vacuum when air is suctioned therefrom. As mentioned above, said bag 2 of the suitcase 1 in fact comprises, in some embodiments and on any one of the external surfaces of its portions, at least one common valve 7 adaptable to conventional suction systems, which allows the evacuation of the air once the items to be transported have been placed inside the bag 2. All of the above occurs in order to obtain a suitcase 1 that not only allows transporting a greater quantity of items - since by removing air, it is possible to optimize the spaces inside the bag 2 - but also to obtain a suitcase which itself occupies a smaller volume of space when said suitcase is made of flexible fabric. The fact that the suitcase 1, and more precisely the bag 2 comprised therein, is made of fabric in some embodiments - except for the aforesaid lower 4 and upper 5 circular edges - ensures that said fabric lays on and spreads over the quantity of goods contained in the bag 2 when air is suctioned therefrom. After the suction, the bag 2 inevitably assumes the form of the goods contained therein. In order to prevent the bag 2, and overall the suitcase 1, from being unaesthetic due to the profile imparted thereto by the transported items, said suitcase 1 comprises a further particular fabric externally covering the bag 2 whose characteristics not only allow hiding possible blemishes, but also allow determining a particular aesthetic affect that gives the suitcase particular aesthetic beauty. Said covering fabric 8 is made with any one stretch fabric which, by contracting and folding/crumpling, gives rise to an entire arrangement of pleats 9 that hide the aforesaid defects and are pleasing to the eye. Said fabric 8 represents one of the elements characterizing the present invention.

As mentioned above, the bag 2 of the present suitcase 1 internally comprises at least one compartment 10, preferably at least two and still more preferably a plurality of compartments 10 in which the items to be transported can be arranged. Of said compartments 10, at least one compartment, indicated herein as compartment 10', internally comprises at least one, preferably at least two and still more preferably at least three integrated containers 11 made of flexible material and capable of maintaining the vacuum. Said flexible vacuum containers 11 are common vacuum bags available on the market, which given that they are provided with valves, allow removing air from within them, thus compacting the objects contained therein - typically these are garments - in order to reduce the necessary portion of space to be occupied. Thus, before said suitcase 1 is closed, the user of said suitcase 1, can: 1) place the garments in said flexible vacuum containers 11; 2) evacuate the internal air, due to valves 11 ' present on the flexible vacuum containers 11, thus placing under vacuum the garments contained in said containers 11; 3) place other objects in the remaining compartments 10; 4) close the bag 2 by means of the opening/closing system 6; and 5) suction air from inside the bag 2 due to a common mini-aspirator 100, with which the suitcase 1 is optionally provided, to be connected to the valve 7 present on the bag 2. Preferably the suitcase 1 also comprises at least one mesh bag 11" inside each flexible vacuum container 11. Said mesh bags 11" are extractible, washable in the washing machine, and allow protecting each container 11, fixed to its compartment 10', from contact with possibly dirty items or garments. Hence the garments, independent of their level of wear, can be previously inserted inside said mesh bag 11" and subsequently in the flexible vacuum container 11 ' . When the garments will be extracted to be placed in the washing machine, it will also be possible to wash the mesh bag 11" . All of the above occurs while preventing the dirtying (hence washing) of the vacuum container 11 ', which is also preferably integrated in the compartment 10' of the bag 2.

A further element characterizing the suitcase 1, object of the present description, is the trolley- shaped handle 3. More in detail said suitcase 1 comprises a particular and innovative trolley- shaped handle 3, provided with retractable wheels 200, integrated or integratable with said bag 2. Said handle 3 has a profile similar to that of an overturned "S" and has its lower curved portion 3' - comprising the wheels 200 - associated with the bag 2 and in particular with the lower 4 and upper 5 circular edges of the bag 2, while its upper curved portion 3" is projecting from said bag 2. Said upper curved portion 3" represents the structure for the transport of the trolley- shaped suitcase 1 and is for such purpose provided with an upper end 3" ' adapted to act as a grip. The handle 3 is associated, with its lower curved portion 3', with the bag 2, with a system for inserting, fitting and fixing the convex profile of the lower 4 and upper 5 circular edges inside the longitudinal lateral edges 12 that are concave and shaped like tracks of the handle 3. Said handle 3 is also characterized in that it is made of a particular material that confers a relative rigidity thereto, that makes it effective during the transport of the trolley- shaped suitcase, and simultaneously with a certain and relative flexibility such to allow winding said handle 3, and in particular its upper curved portion 3", around the bag 2. Said upper curved portion 3" is in fact able to be adapted with its edges 12 that are concave and shaped like tracks to the convex portions of the lower 4 and upper 5 circular edges of the bag 2. Once wound, it is possible to lock the handle 3 in this shape due to a common coupling system 13 comprising complementary and mating elements, one positioned on the external surface of the central circular portion 2" ' of the bag 2, the other on the handle 3 and preferably on the grip represented by the upper end 3" ' of said handle 3. Said handle 3, when it is wound around the bag 2, since it is provided with a certain rigidity is able to protect the bag 2, and hence the objects contained therein, from possible damage due to accidental blows or impact that said bag might undergo. Such condition in fact often occurs in airports when luggage is introduced on the conveyor belt for pickup. In some embodiments, said trolley- shaped handle 3 is telescopic and in other embodiments it is modulatable. When it is modulatable, the joint 3" " is observable on said handle 3, such joint allowing the association of handle portions. The connection occurs with common reversible fit fixing systems.

As already mentioned in the course of the present description, the suitcase 1, object of the present industrial invention patent application, can be transported as a trolley - as described above - as a briefcase or as a handbag. For such purpose, the suitcase 1 is provided with a suitable handle 14 observable on the central circular portion 2" ' of the bag 2, and with common loops 15 adapted to allow the coupling of a common shoulder belt 300.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that said suitcase 1 is provided with a common integrated electric motor adapted to allow the movement of said suitcase in an automated manner.