Patent Publication Number: US-2018035775-A1

Title: Case and supporting frame member therefor

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is concerned with 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’ as used in the specification and claims is used 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: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,738 
     U.S. Pat. No. 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. 
     BACKGROUND 
     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 for the sections to be separated, at times defining compartmented sections. More so, there is often provided a liner disposed adjacent the walls of the case to thereby conceal the structural and constructional elements of the walls. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,738 discloses an upright suitcase includes a front section and an opposing rear section, each having an outer panel and a circumferential wall with a bottom edge and a plurality of free edges. The bottom edges are hingedly connected for movement of the opposing front and rear sections between an open position, in which access to the opposing sections is provided, and a closed position, in which all of the edges of the two circumferential walls are in juxtaposition. A zipper closure engages the opposing sections and selectively holds the free edges of the circumferential walls in juxtaposition. A divider panel is positioned within the upright suitcase to at least partially divide the opposing sections from each other when in the closed position. The divider panel has one end flexibly tethered to the rear circumferential wall and is movable into and out of the rear section. Slack connectors connected to the rear circumferential wall are positioned to selectively and flexibly connect the free end of the divider to the rear circumferential wall. Retainer straps connected to the rear section are positioned to engage the divider and draw it toward the outer panel of the rear section. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,391 discloses a suitcase comprising a body with an edge adapted to be coupled to a space of a connection means for a partition adapted to divide the internal space of the suitcase into a smaller space and a larger space, the connection comprising a raceway adapted to be slidingly coupled to a sliding element which is complementary to the raceway and fixed to a support element with which the partition is integrally associated, the connection includes an internal portion of the body made of soft material, at the extremity of which the raceway which is made of rigid material is fixed, and an external portion of the body made of soft material, the sliding element being made of rigid material fixed to the support element which is made of soft material. 
     GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
     According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is disclosed a case comprising a body 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 body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member. 
     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is a frame member configured for articulation to an inside face of a side walls of a base member of a case, 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 body member. 
     In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, one or both of the divider and the liner comprises at least partially extending around its circumference a rigid frame element configured for articulation to side walls of a case. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is disclosed a divider and a partitionable case that includes a divider dividing the case into respective front and rear compartments. In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter the divider comprises at least partially extending around its circumference rigid frame element. In accordance with yet an example, the divider is further configured to provide a structural support to the case when attached thereto. In addition with another example the divider is a detachably attachable element. 
     According to yet an aspect, the disclosed subject matter refers to a liner for lining at least a portion of the inner surface of a case. In accordance with an example, the liner is provided with a rigid frame element at least partially extending around its circumference. The liner can be a detachably attachable element. In accordance with an example, the liner is of a basket like structure having a base member and at least one wall extending therefrom. The liner in accordance with certain examples is 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 accordance with a disclosed subject matter a liner and a divider can be configured for mutual engagement and further for detachable connection to the case. 
     The arrangement is such that the frame member is configured to bear laterally extending forces applied to side walls of the case, both inwardly and outwardly oriented. 
     Furthermore, in a case comprising a base member and a cover member articulated thereto, each in turn comprising a frame member, said frame members bearing against each other at a closed position of the case and are configured for and bearing axial forces applied therebetween. 
     Any one or more of the following features, design and configurations can be applied to respective aspects of the case and frame member, according to the present disclosure, either separately or in various combinations thereof: 
     The frame member can be snapingly articulated to the inside face of the side walls of the body member. Fasteners can be applied for securing the frame member to the side walls thereof; 
     The frame member can be a solid unitary member, or a interrupted member have segments articulated to respective portions of the side walls of the case; 
     The divider can be rigid, pliable or flexible. The divider can be solid or it can be configured with portions having different rigidity; 
     The divider can 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 can be made of, or include portions made of a mesh material; 
     The liner can have a three dimensional shape conforming with the inside shape of the body member. According to one example the liner has a basket-like shape; 
     The liner can comprise a closeable opening allowing excess into a space extending behind the liner; 
     The frame member can be detachably attachable to the side walls of the base member; 
     The frame member can be articulated to the rim of the side walls of the body member, or below said rim; 
     The frame member can be configured as a reinforcing element for imparting the body member rigidity and structural support; 
     The frame member can further be configured with securing straps extending across the side walls and designed to hold contents of the case in place; 
     The securing straps can be detachably attachable to the frame member and according to a particular example, the securing straps can be slidingly secured to the frame member; 
     The frame member or the liner can be configured with openings at respective corners thereof, facilitating mounting same over securing straps extending from respective corners or portions of the side walls; 
     The case can be configured with a cover member pivotally articulated to the circumferential rim of the body member. According to one embodiment, the cover member is articulated to the body member by one or more snap-type fasteners. According to another embodiment the cover member is articulated to the body member by a continuous closure; 
     The cover member can be configured as a complimentary body 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 can be configured with 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 body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member; 
     The frame member can be articulated to the rim of the body 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 suited for disposing at a face-to-face orientation with a like frame member of a cover member of the case. In use, such flat top surfaces can bear against each other when the cover member rests over the body member; 
     The second leg portion of the frame member can be configured with a projection-depression arrangement, for mating cooperation with a frame member of a respective cover member of the case, and 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, whereby at the closed state of the case, when a rim of the cover is rests over a rim of the base member, the frame member of the cover member interacts with the frame member of the base member; 
     The side walls of the body member and of the cover member can comprise a frame arresting groove extending at least about a portion of the side walls and configured for articulation therein of said first leg portion of the frame member; 
     The divider can be a flexible material having a high tensile strength with the frame member extending there around being injection molded over the flexible material. The flexible material can be textile, mesh etc. Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, canvas, cloth, leather, and nylon. The frame member can be injected using plastic or a composite material providing a rigid though pliable frame; 
     The divider and liner are integrally molded with the frame member and can be integrally secured between a layer of plastic material extending over one of or both faces thereof; 
     The frame member can comprise sheet gripping arrangements for improving integration and grip of the divider and the liner to the frame member. 
     Divider and liner gripping arrangements can be spikes projecting trough edges of the divider and liner; 
     Divider and liner gripping arrangements can be openings extending through edges of the divider and liner, whereby plastic material of the frame member extends through said openings; 
     The divider and liner can be made of, or coated with, a polymeric material suitable for bonding with the frame member during an over molding process; 
     The frame member can be configured with a resilient gasket at the second leg portion, improving sealing and closure engagement between the frame member of the base member and 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  2 B 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  3 B in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlargement of the portion marked  3 C in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a divider in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter; 
         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  5 B in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a body member in accordance with a disclosed subject matter showing the receiving channel extending along portions of the body member; 
         FIG. 6B  is an enlarged section of the channel, the section taken along line VI-VI in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIGS. 7A 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  and  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 e.g. for the body member seen in the suitcase of  2 A, the liner in its folded configuration; 
         FIGS. 9A to 9G  illustrate the basket liner of  FIG. 8 , in a fully deployed position ( 9 A and  9 E) with  FIGS. 9B to 9G  illustrating engagement portions of the basket liner frame member configured for attachment to the body member of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a body member in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter,  FIG. 10B  being an enlargement of the portion marked  10 B 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 in accordance with a disclosed subject matter being disposed therein 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 body member of  FIGS. 10 to 12 ,  FIG. 13B  being an enlargement of the portion marked  13 B 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. 13A , with a basket liner in accordance with a disclosed subject matter being disposed therein 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 shell-like 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  are both plastic molded and 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, however on account of reducing luggage space. The base member and the cover member can be rigid or pliable and can assume different shapes and ornamentation. 
     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 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 general rectangle 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 body member into respective front and rear compartments. 
     The divider frame  42  is integrated with a divider  44  during a molding process. The divider  44  is net-like (or non porous in the example of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and is stretched over the frame member  42 , and is 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. 
     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 molding 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 base member  12 , the later is rendered rigidity and sturdiness, and is also receives the divider, however concealing the frame receptacle (namely frame receptacle shaped as a duct  60  extending between and inside wall  62  and an outside wall  64 ), 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  68 . Accordingly, the arrangement is such that at the closed position ( FIG. 7F ) the top surface  68  of the frame member  42  of the cover member  14  bears over the top surface  68  of the frame member  42  of the base member  12 , such that loads are born thereby, imparting the closed case 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 laterally extending forces applied to side walls of the case, both inwardly and outwardly oriented. 
     Furthermore, the arrangement is such that the case comprising a base member  12  and a cover member  14  articulated thereto, each in turn comprising a frame member  42 , said frame members bearing against each other at a closed position of the case and are configured for and 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 body 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. 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 suitcase in place. As will be illustrated hereinafter, the disclosure refers also to securing straps articulated to the frame member, whereby the cutouts  96  are redundant. 
     The frame member  94 , similar to the arrangement of frame member  40  disclosed hereinabove, has a general rectangle 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  bears over a top edge  114  of the base member  12 , and further there 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 from the frame member  94 , whereby at the closed position of the suitcase ( FIGS. 15A and 15B ) corresponding flat portions of the frame member of the cover member bear against each other. 
     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  119  (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 to frame assembly generally designated  140 , comprising a frame member  142  of general rectangle 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 , whereby at the closed position of the suitcase ( FIGS. 15A and 15B ) corresponding flat portions  164  (of the cover member  14 ) and  120  (of the base member  12 ) bear against each other, 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 recess  127 , the snaps  150  and  154  snapingly engage within respective openings  121  and  129 , so that the frame member becomes arrested to the base member  14 . 
     As can thus be seen in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , at the closed position of the suitcase  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 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 .