This invention relates to an exterior, removable, non-rigid, machine washable fabric, drawstring closure, protective covering for a suitcase (possibly known by other names such as a travel case or travel bag).

A suitcase, is a well known item used for the storage and transportation of personal property.

This is subject to rough handling and soiling, causing damage, discolouring and unsightly markings, resulting in possible permanent disfigurement to the aforementioned item.

Once damaged in any of the above forms, the suitcase is likely to be discarded by the owner, since its origional appearance cannot be restored at least without considerable expence.

The cover when fitted will prevent the suitcase from opening should the suitcase closing mechanism fail, stopping spillage of the contents. Previously damaged or unsightly suitcases can be given a new lease of life by using an attractive protective cover. From an environmental viewpoint, fewer suitcases will now be discarded reducing waste. Fewer insurance claims will be submitted reducing agrivation and lost time incured by individuals.

This invention will utilise a strong fabric of natural, or man made fibres, fabricated (sewn) to form the external shape of the suitcase, so that it provides a snug fit around the suitcase to be protected. A range of sizes to suit standard suitcases will be available for manufacturing purposes.

Appertures in this protective cover shall allow permanent fixtures of the suitcase, such as mobility wheels and pull

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handles on the side of the item, to be accesible whilst the protective cover is in place.

A drawstring, or a drawstring with clamping toggle,shall be run along the hem of the opening of the protective cover to enable closure of the protective cover around the suitcase to be protected, with additional clasps for a more secure closure, positioned to appear one either side of a suitcases main carrying handle. Velcroe, buttons, buckled straps(including side release buckles) or a combination of these shall also be used to seal the cover, as alternatives to using clasps.

The protective cover will provide protection of suitcases against scratching, scuffing or staining normaly sustained whilst travelling. The cover can then be removed and machine washed, folded or crumpled into any shape and stored for reuse. The protective cover is not intended to eliminate damage caused by severe mishandling, heavy impacts, saturation in fluids, heat or fire exposure. Neither will it prevent physical damage to exposed mobile fixtures appearing through the appertures.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure la shows a typical suitcase with Figure lb the protective cover alongside (Figure lb version incorporates two clasps, as the additional closures, one either side of the top handle).The cover is shown free standing, only for the purpose of clearly illustrating it, in reality the cover cannot stand as shown since it is and can only be made of a completely non rigid fabric.

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Figure 2 illustrates the protective cover correctly oriented to slide with a close fit over the suitcase.

Figure 3 shows the suitcase fully enclosed within the protective cover, with fixtures protruding through appertures so located in the cover, that they are positioned to fit exactly over the mobility fixtures.

Figure 4 shows the drawstrings and toggle adjusted in the cover closed position, with the two clasps also in the closed position.

Referring to the drawing, figure 2, the protective cover 1, shall be able to be slid over the suitcase to be protected, by means of an opening in one end of the cover, this opening is of the correct dimension to accept the suitcase being slid in, base first.

Whilst fitting the protective cover 1, to a suitcase with mobility wheels and side mounted pull handles, correct orientation of the protective cover is necessary to position the appertures 2 + 3 , on the suitcase to be protected, as illustrated in figure 2.

The protective cover 1, must be pulled over the suitcase until the mobility wheels and side mounted pull handle, are positioned so that the appertures 2+3, are correctly placed over these fixtures, as shown in figure 3. The cut and fabrication of the cover l,is such that it is close fitting without any excess material being visible, nor will it fit to tightly over the protected suitcase.

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When the suitcase is completely enclosed within the protective cover 1, the drawstring 5, threaded through a hem in the opening of the protective cover 1, shall be drawn by means of a toggle

4, thus sealing the suitcase within the protective cover 1, as shown in figure 4.

The drawstring 5, will then be secured and prevented from reopening by the toggle 4, or by simply introducing a knot. This will then be tucked inside the protective cover 1, so as not to trail free.

Two additional closure devices, in this case two clasps 6, positioned one either side of the handle shall then also be fastened to provide extra security to the closure of the protective cover 1.

Removal of the cover 1, is accomplished by opening the clasps 6 and slackening the toggle 4, back to the end of the drawstring

5, simply enlarging the protective covering 1, to its fully open size, then sliding the cover 1, off the suitcase (travelcase or travelbag) .

The protective cover 1, can then be folded or crumpled into any shape and stored until required.

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