Patent Publication Number: US-11019888-B2

Title: Suitcase equipped with a zipper lock fastener device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a suitcase comprising a fastening system and a lock device intended to maintain the zipper fastening system in a fastening position. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A suitcase is already known, particularly from document EP 2 926 679, the suitcase comprising:
         an enclosure defining an inner volume,   a zipper fastener extending in a junction plane and comprising a first strip presenting a first edge, a second strip presenting a second edge, a slider and a pull tab connected to the slider, the slider is movable between:
           a fastening position in which the first edge is maintained adjacent to the second edge, and   a releasing position in which the zipper fastener releases the first edge in relation to the second edge,   
           a lock device fixed to the enclosure and adapted for cooperating with the pull tab in a locked position in order to maintain the slider in the fastening position.       

     Although such a suitcase is satisfactory, the invention aims to increase the simplicity, reliability and discretion of the lock device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In order to reach the aforementioned aims, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the invention, in the fastening position the lock device and the pull tab are arranged at least in part in the junction plane. 
     Therefore, in the locked position, the pull tab and the lock device are arranged in the extension of the zipper fastener, which makes them less visible. In addition, the pull tab is less likely to be damaged in the event of an impact against another object. In particular, the slider is less likely to undergo stress causing it to displace, and if it does move, the pull tab is subjected to traction and not to torsion, so that it is more likely to resist this impact without being damaged. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, preferably the enclosure comprises a first shell, a second shell and a hinge device connecting the first shell and the second shell, the second shell is movable in relation to the first shell between an opened position and a closed position through the hinge device when the slider is in the releasing position, and the suitcase presents a flat surface in which the lock device and the hinge device are arranged. 
     Therefore, a simple suitcase is formed that can easily be opened by acting on a single slider, and is therefore esthetically pleasing and ergonomic. 
     According to an additional embodiment of the invention, preferably, in the closed position, the hinge device comprises a rotational axis that is offset in relation to the junction plane. 
     Therefore, the lock device does not impair the movement of the second shell in relation to the first shell between the opened position and the closed position, without requiring a complex solution or risking damage to the suitcase. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, preferably, in the closed position, the rotational axis is offset along a direction perpendicular to the junction plane beyond the part of the lock device situated outside the enclosure. 
     Therefore, the second shell may be pivoted at least 90 degrees in relation to the first shell between the closed position and the opened position, without having to provide a recess or other complex shape that would risk lessening the esthetic flow of the suitcase and collect dust or gravel likely to impair the pivoting. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, preferably the hinge device comprises an intermediate element rotatably hinged in relation to the first shell around a first articulation axis and in relation to the second shell around a second articulation axis, the first articulation axis is parallel to the second articulation axis and the lock device is carried by the intermediate element. 
     Therefore, the range of motion of the second shell in relation to the first shell without colliding with the lock device is further increased. 
     According to a further embodiment of the invention, preferably, in the closed position, perpendicular to the junction plane, the lock device presents a part situated outside the enclosure and presents a space width, and the gap distance is equal to or greater than the space width. 
     Therefore, the second shell may be pivoted at least 180 degrees in relation to the first shell between the closed position and the opened position, without having to provide a recess or other complex shape presenting the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, preferably, the lock device comprises a plate and a latch, the plate is arranged outside the enclosure and presents a hole, the latch is inside the enclosure, the pull tab comprises a base portion and a lock portion, the pull tab is connected to the slider by the base portion, in the locked position the lock portion is inserted into the hole of the plate and is retained by the latch, and the base portion and the lock portion are each substantially rectilinear and form a substantially right angle in relation to each other. 
     Therefore, particularly in the locked position, the latch and pull tab have less risk of damage by impact with an external element. In addition, the esthetic flow of the suitcase is not substantially altered by the presence of the lock device or the tongue. 
     According to an additional embodiment of the invention, preferably the locking portion is in the continuation of the base portion, at the end of which it is connected by a curved portion, the pull tab preferably being formed by a folded plate. 
     The reliability and esthetic appearance of the suitcase are thereby further increased. 
     According to yet another embodiment, preferably the base portion of the pull tab is flat and extends parallel to the plate and substantially rests against the plate. 
     Thus, in the event of an impact against the pull tab, the plate supports the pull tab to reduce the risk of deterioration, particularly the pull tab and the lock device. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, preferably, the zipper fastener extends between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and the lock device comprises a housing equipped with two slits through which the zipper fastener extends near the first longitudinal end. 
     Therefore, the slider can come into contact with the lock device in the fastening position, and the first longitudinal end of the zipper is concealed and maintained by a cover. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following detailed description, with reference to the attached drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a suitcase in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown in the closed position, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the suitcase in the opened position, 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view in perspective of the suitcase, 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the portion marked IV in  FIG. 3  in an enlarged scale. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view along the line marked V-V in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT 
     The figures illustrate a suitcase essentially comprising an enclosure  3 , a zipper fastener  10  and a lock device  30 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the suitcase defines a suitcase  1 . Enclosure  3  comprises a first shell  2  and a second shell  4  connected by a hinge device  20 . The first shell  2  and the second shell  4  are relatively rigid. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , enclosure  3  is substantially parallelepiped. The enclosure comprises two large lateral faces  3   a ,  3   b , two small lateral faces  3   c ,  3   d  (wider dimension), one lower main face  3   e  and one upper main face  3   f , each of its surfaces being substantially flat. 
     In addition and optionally, suitcase  1  comprises wheels arranged at the four corners of lateral face  3   c  and a telescopic handle able to project from the lateral face  3   d . Suitcase  1  also comprises a main carrying handle  8  arranged on the large lateral face  3   a . In  FIG. 1 , suitcase  1  is illustrated in the position in which it is intended to rest on a floor in view of its opening, supported on its lower face  3   e.    
     Enclosure  3  defines an inner volume  6  intended to receive personal effects to be transported, particularly clothes. 
     The first shell  2  and the second shell  4  are connected by a hinge device  20  enabling the first shell  2  and the fourth shell  4  to move in relation to one another between a closed position illustrated in  FIG. 1  and the opened position illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the second shell  4  is facing the first shell  2 . The second shell  4  presents an edge  4   a  generally in contact with an edge  2   a  of the first shell  2  along a junction plane P. In the opened position, a passage exists between the first shell  2  and the second shell  4  in order to access the inner volume  6  to place personal effects therein. 
     The hinge device  20  is arranged at the large lateral face  3   a  and essentially comprises a first support  24  fixed to the first shell  2 , a second support  26  fixed to the second shell  4  and an intermediate element  22  extending between the first support  24  and the second support  26 . The first support  24  and the second support  26  may also be formed in the respective structures of the first shell  2  and the second shell  4 , which may, for example, each be molded in a single piece. The intermediate element  22  is rotatably hinged in relation to the first support  24 , and consequently to the first shell  2 , around a first articulation axis R 2 . The intermediate element  22  is rotatably hinged in relation to the second support  26 , and consequently to the second shell  4 , around a second articulation axis R 4 . The first articulation axis R 2  and the second articulation axis R 4  both extend parallel to the junction plane P substantially at the large lateral face  3   a  in the closed position of suitcase  1 . The first articulation axis R 2  and the second articulation axis R 4  are consequently parallel and separated from each other by a gap distance D. 
     In the closed position, the gap distance D extends along a direction of elevation Z perpendicular to the junction plane P and parallel to the large lateral face  3   a.    
     In the closed position, the zipper fastener  10  extends between a first longitudinal end  10   a  and a second longitudinal end  10   b . The first longitudinal end  10   a  and the second longitudinal end  10   b  are both situated at the large lateral face  3   a . Between the first longitudinal end  10   a  and the second longitudinal end  10   b , the zipper fastener extends along the junction plane across lateral faces  3   d ,  3   b ,  3   c.    
     The zipper fastener  10  comprises a first strip  12  presenting a first longitudinal edge  11 , a second strip  14  presenting a second longitudinal edge  13 , a slider  16  and a pull tab  18 . The slider  16  is adapted to be displaced between a fastening position in which it is near the first longitudinal end  10   a  and a releasing position in which it is near the second longitudinal end  10   b.    
     When the slider  16  is in the fastening position, the first longitudinal edge  11  is maintained adjacent to the second longitudinal edge  13 . For this purpose, the first longitudinal edge  11  and the second longitudinal edge  13  are provided with complementary teeth alternately arranged on the first longitudinal edge  11  and on the second longitudinal edge  13 , as is well known. Alternatively, other types of zipper fasteners can be used. 
     When the slider  16  is in the releasing position, the first longitudinal edge  11  is released in relation to the second longitudinal edge  13  between the first longitudinal end  10   a  and the second longitudinal end  10   b.    
     When the slider  16  is in the fastening position, the suitcase  1  is maintained in the closed position, the second shell  4  being in contact with the first shell  2 , so that the inner volume  6  is closed, preventing access. When slider  16  is in the releasing position, the second shell  4  may be displaced from the opened position to the closed position thanks to the hinge device  20 , as described previously. 
     The lock device  30  is arranged in the large lateral face  3   a , between the first longitudinal end  10   a  and the second longitudinal end  10   b  and in close proximity to the first articulation axis R 2  and the second articulation axis R 4 . More specifically, lock device  30  is arranged in the extension of the zipper fastener  10 , at the first longitudinal end  10   a . When slider  16  is in the fastening position, it substantially rests against lock device  30 . Junction plane P extends across the lock device  30 . 
     Lock device  30  comprises an outer part  44  arranged outside enclosure  3  and an inner part  42  arranged inside enclosure  3 . The lock device essentially comprises a plate  32 , a cover  35 , a latch  36 , a retractable stop  37 , a release pin  38 , a control lever  46 , a key lock  48  and a combination lock  50 . 
     Plate  32  is substantially flat and essentially comprises a flat plate extending outside the suitcase against the large lateral face  3   a . The plate  32  forms a housing  40  with the cover  35  arranged inside enclosure  3 . The latch  36 , the retractable stop  37 , the release pin  38 , the control lever  46 , the key lock  48  and the combination lock  50  are carried by the housing  40 , preferably by the plate  32 . The latch  36 , the retractable stop  37  and the release pin  38  are arranged inside the enclosure  3 , so that they are protected behind plate  32 . 
     The latch  36  presents a catch  36   a  and is mounted movably in rotation, biased in a lock position illustrated in  FIG. 5  by a spring. The retractable stop  37  blocks the latch  36  in the lock position by opposing its rotation. The control lever  46 , arranged outside the enclosure  3 , and connected to a cam, enables the retractable stop  37  to retract via the release pin  38 . The key lock  48  and the combination lock  50  inhibit the rotation of the control lever  46 . 
     The pull tab  18  is present in the form of a plate with a substantially constant thickness folded into an L shape. It comprises a base portion  18   a , a curved portion  18   b , and a lock portion  18   c . The pull tab  18  is connected to the slider  16  by the base portion  18   a . The lock portion  18   c  is cohesive with the base portion  18   a , at the end of which the lock portion  18   c  is connected through the curved portion  18   b . The base portion  18   a  and the lock portion  18   c  are each substantially rectilinear and form a substantially right angle in relation to each other. 
     The lock portion  18   c  presents a locking hole  19 . When the slider  18  is in the fastening position, at the first longitudinal end  10   a , the lock portion  18   c  can be inserted through a hole  34  in the plate  32  in order to place the pull tab  18  in a locked position in which the catch  36   a  of the latch  36  is inserted into the locking hole  19  of the pull tab  18 . The pull tab  18  is maintained in this locked position until an action is performed on the control lever  46 . The latch  36  then retains the slider  16  in the fastening position via the tongue  18 . The base portion  18   a  of the pull tab  18  extends parallel to the plate  32 , substantially resting flat against the flat surface of plate  32 . 
     On the other hand, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the housing  40  presents a first slit  39  and a second slit  41  receiving the zipper fastener  10  near the longitudinal end  10   a . The first slit  39  and the second slit  41  each comprise a narrow part  39   b ,  41   b  and a wider part  39   a ,  41   a . The narrow part  39   b ,  41   b  of the first slit  39  and the second slit  41  respectively receives the first strip  12  and the second strip  14 . The wide part  39   a ,  41   a  of the first slit  39  and the second slit  41  receives teeth from zipper  10  respectively maintained on respectively the first strip  12  and the second strip  14 . The first slit  39  and the second slit  41  are advantageously made between the plate  32  and the cover  35 , which are fixed to one another, particularly by screwing. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the housing  40  of the lock device  30  is carried by the intermediate element  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in the closed position, the first rotational axis R 2  is offset in relation to the junction plane P, along the direction of elevation Z perpendicular to the junction plane P beyond the outer part  44  of the lock device  30 . 
     Also, in the closed position, the second rotational axis R 4  is offset in relation to the junction plane P, along the direction of elevation Z beyond the outer part  44  of lock device  30 . 
     In the closed position, the outer part  44  of the lock device  30  presents a space width L along the direction of elevation Z. The space width is less than the gap distance D. 
     Therefore, the outer part  44  of lock device  30  is situated between the first rotational axis R 2  and the second rotational axis R 4  along the direction of elevation. 
     Consequently, the lock device  30  does not impair the opening of the suitcase  1 . 
     Of course, the invention is not in any way limited to the embodiment described for illustrative, non-limiting purposes. Therefore, although in the embodiment illustrated, the lock device  30 , and particularly the latch  36  are centered in relation to the junction plane P, it may be provided that the major part of lock device  30  is on one side of junction plane P and a small part of lock device  30  is on the other side of junction plane P.