Patent ID: 12213571

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With particular reference to the figures, the reference numeral1generally designates a portable container, of the type of a suitcase, trunk, crate, trolley, and the like.

The container1comprises an outer shell2for delimiting at least one compartment3for accommodating personal items, tools, equipment, objects in general. It is specified, in this regard and right now, that any further reference to containers1that will be made in the present description is to be understood as being extended to any type of product (suitcase, trunk, crate, trolley, rucksack, sack, bag, etcetera), capable of accommodating in the compartment3and carrying objects and tools of various kinds, both for private use and for professional use.

Without abandoning the protective scope claimed herein, in the container1it is in fact possible to accommodate tools, instruments, gear, electronic equipment or others, in professional use, as well as clothes, objects of various kinds and personal items, in private use.

In any case, in the preferred application and in the various embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, the container1is a kind of rigid suitcase (or trunk), for mainly professional use, made of polymeric material with high impact resistance and provided with suitable solutions that ensure its complete tightness and therefore its capacity to prevent the entry of water, humidity, dust and contaminants in general. In any case, it is noted once again that the protective scope claimed herein is not limited to this preferred application and must instead be considered as extended also to other types of container1, whether rigid or not, made of any material and intended for any user.

The container1comprises furthermore at least one electronic tag4a,4b(or label, or transponder), configured to store data of various kinds and/or transmit them via a contactless information transmission technology, such as RFID, NFC and similar technologies.

The electronic tag4a,4bcan thus store (according to per se known methods) information of any kind, such as for example the identification code of the container1, its content, data related to the manufacturing site and cycle, traceability, etcetera, as a function of the specific requirements and functionalities that one wishes to give to the container1, by utilizing the almost infinite possibilities offered by RFID, NFC, or similar technologies. In fact, these technologies allow a reader or other designated electronic device to acquire this information in digital format and to use it in various manners. Via the reader, or in any case another external device, there is also the possibility to rewrite or extend the information contained in the electronic tag4a,4b, even after the production and marketing of the container1.

The electronic tag4a,4bwith which the container1is provided can also be provided with a write mode, in addition to a read mode, and therefore it can transmit and store information on an associated device.

According to the disclosure, the portable container1comprises a supporting plate5which is anchored permanently to an external surface region2aof the shell2. The surface region2acan be any portion of the outer surface of the shell2: in the pages that follow, in any case, some possible practical choices of considerable interest will be shown by way of non-limiting example. The plate5can be made for example of polypropylene (also designated by the acronym “PP” in the technology of the field), although the possibility to make it of other materials, be they polymeric or not, is not excluded. It should also be stressed that the shell2can be (substantially) constituted by a single material (polymeric or metallic, made of aluminum, for example) or, at least for a part thereof, by a combination of multiple layers of different materials (for example indeed a polymeric layer and one constituted by a profiled element made of aluminum or other metal in order to increase stiffness). In this last case, the surface region2acan be formed on any one of said layers.

An at least partially transparent plaque6is interlocked in a parallel and detachable manner on a first face5aof the plate5, on the opposite side with respect to the surface region2a(the first face5ais the one facing outward). Preferably, in any case, the plaque6is completely transparent; it can be for example made of polycarbonate (also designated by the acronym “PC” in the technology of the field), although the possibility to make it of other materials, be they polymeric or not, is not excluded.

Thus, between the plaque6and the plate5there is a pocket (even of few tenths of a millimeter, for example) configured to receive identification elements7of the type of labels (made of PVC, paper, etcetera), cards or the like. In other words, the identification element7(which can be simply constituted by a piece of paper or cardboard) is sandwiched between the first face5aof the plate5and the plaque6, and by virtue of the choice to make the plaque6of at least partially transparent material, it is possible to read from outside lettering or text applied thereon, such as for example the name of the owner or an address where the owner is reachable (useful in case of loss of the container1).

The electronic tag4a,4bis fixed stably (directly or indirectly) on a second face5bof the plate5; said second face5bis opposite with respect to the first face5aand is applied stably to the surface region2aof the shell2.

The particular placement chosen obtains the double goal that is the aim of the disclosure. First of all, in fact, the tag4a,4bis fixed on a plate5arranged outside the shell2(on the surface region2a) and thus the designated reader (or other electronic device) can be easily moved closer to said tag4a,4b, ensuring optimum interaction.

At the same time, the tag4a,4bis kept substantially inaccessible, since it is interposed between the surface region2aand the plate5: contact with it is possible only by breaking or removing the plate5, in any case damaging the container1in a severe and evident manner. This discourages attempts at tampering or unwanted access (which are complicated and in any case easily identifiable subsequently), ensuring suitable protection to the tag4a,4b.

In particular, in the preferred embodiment, which in any case does not limit the application of the disclosure, the container1comprises a first electronic tag4a, of the RFID type, and a second electronic tag4b, of the NFC type, so as to be able to use the potentials offered by both corresponding technologies, and thus increase the versatility, the appeal and the functionalities of the disclosure. Although the possibility to fix each tag4a,4bto the second face5bin another manner (direct or indirect) is not excluded, in the solution proposed in the accompanying figures they are both fixed stably on an adhesive sheet8applied to the second face5bof the plate5. The tags4a,4bare thus interposed between the sheet8and the surface region2aof the shell2. Obviously, in other embodiments according to the disclosure, even just one tag4a,4bmay be fixed to the sheet8.

The container1according to the disclosure can be provided and/or marketed without the identification element7: in this case, the user may, if he so wishes, obtain it separately and introduce it autonomously between the plate5and the plaque6, in the pocket delimited by them.

In the preferred application, instead, the container1according to the disclosure comprises the identification element7, preprinted and/or (subsequently) writable by hand (or in another manner). The identification element7is thus inserted removably in the pocket, between the first face5aof the plate5and the plaque6.

As mentioned, the protective scope claimed herein extends to any type of container1: in the preferred embodiment, in any case, as well as in the exemplifying solutions shown in the accompanying figures, the shell2of the container1comprises a first half-shell2band a second half-shell2chaving a substantially box-like open configuration. In this respect, it is appropriate to stress that in the present description and in the accompanying figures the identification of the first half-shell2b(and therefore of the second half-shell2c) is completely arbitrary, since each one of them can be identified as “first” (or “second”), without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein. In the accompanying figures, the lower half-shell has been identified as first half-shell2b, but the other upper one might also be defined in the same way. Moreover, it is specified that the half-shells2b,2ccan constitute the two halves of the shell2(of equal dimensions and shape), or can have shapes and dimensions (in particular height) that are mutually different, for example with a higher first half-shell2band with the second half-shell2cacting as a lid.

With further reference to the preferred embodiment, in any case, the half-shells2b,2care mutually articulated about at least one hinge9arranged proximate to a common edge. By virtue indeed of the articulation ensured by the hinge9(or by multiple aligned hinges9), the half-shells2b,2care mutually movable between at least one configuration for free access to the compartment3and a configuration for the closure thereof. In the closure configuration, the respective free edges of the half-shells2b,2care fully superimposed (and in contact), while in the open configuration only the respective portions of the edges proximate to the hinge9are kept superimposed. The external surface region2ais thus formed on one of the half-shells2b,2c, proximate to one of the edges (on any wall).

In greater detail, typically the motion between the two configurations occurs by rotation of the second half-shell2cwith respect to the first half-shell2b(or vice versa), wherein this rotation is indeed made possible by the hinge9, which forms an axis of rotation that is parallel to the edges.

Even more particularly, the container1comprises at least one grip handle10(directly or indirectly) coupled to the shell2(preferably, the handle10will be articulated to the shell2); the external surface region2a, on which the plate5is anchored permanently, can be formed proximate to the handle10(as in the solutions ofFIGS.1-11and26-32). The handle10can in turn be placed in any point of the container1, but preferably it is arranged on the opposite side with respect to the hinge9, with the plate5that is indeed located proximate to it.

The region2ais in any case on another wall of one of the half-shells2a,2bwith respect to the one on which the handle10is fixed (such as for example in the solutions ofFIGS.12-18and19-25, in which the region2ais provided on the wall that is adjacent to the one of the handle10).

Usefully, the plate5, which has a substantially rectangular shape, has at least one pair of perimetric raised side walls11, which extend around the first face5afrom the mutually opposite shorter sides of the plate5. The side walls11have respective mutually aligned undercuts11afor facilitating the sliding and removable interlocking insertion of the plaque6. The plaque6can thus be inserted progressively in the undercuts11a, making it slide parallel to the first face5a, until it is completely superimposed on the latter, completing the coupling. The element7can be inserted subsequently in the pocket that is formed, either before the sliding insertion, by resting it on the first face5aor by making it adhere to the plaque6. The shape of the undercuts11acan be such as to form a dovetail coupling or a coupling of a different type. A third side wall11can furthermore be provided on a third side of the plate5, opposite the insertion side, so as to form a stroke limiter for sliding insertion.

Advantageously, the second face5bof the plate5has a recessed surface, which thus forms an accommodation seat12for the tag4a,4b(or the tags4a,4b). It is specified that each tag4a,4bmay be applied directly on the seat12, for example by gluing, or the seat12may accommodate the sheet8, optionally chosen of a shape that matches the shape of said seat12.

The methods with which the plate5is anchored to the external surface region2amay be any, as a function of the specific requirements, without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein. Some practical examples of considerable practical interest are provided in the paragraphs that follow, and in the accompanying figures, thus merely by way of non-limiting example.

In the constructive solution ofFIGS.1-11, the plate5is welded permanently to the region2aat a plurality of welding spots, distributed around the seat12. The step of production of the plate5(by molding or in another manner) entails in fact the possibility to provide it with teeth13of pyramid-like shape or of another type, distributed indeed around the seat12. These teeth13can for example have a height equal to few tenths of a millimeter (preferably 0.4 mm) and a maximum transverse dimension comprised between 5 and 11.2 mm. During the step of assembly of the plate5to the shell2, the plate5can be arranged in a recess14provided on the shell2, at the external surface region2a(the recess14is preferably placed proximate to the handle10). After resting the plate5against the bottom of the recess14, with the teeth13pressed against the shell2, a welding device (provided for example with a sonotrode) can indeed act on the teeth13in order to provide the permanent anchoring of the plate5to the surface region2a(the teeth13provide the materials for the cited welding spots).

It should be noted that this constructive solution is particularly suitable where it is necessary or preferable to ensure the integrity of the shell2, thus avoiding resorting to perforations of any type on the latter in order to obtain the desired coupling. This is a solution that is appreciated where properties of insulation of the compartment3and of tightness of the container1are required, and where therefore any holes might facilitate the entry of water, humidity, dust and other foreign matter, indeed jeopardizing the possibility to obtain the desired functionalities.

In the constructive solutions that will be proposed hereinafter, instead (and which correspond toFIGS.12-18,19-25,26-32), the anchoring is provided (also) by virtue of holes of various kinds along the shell2.

More particularly, in a second constructive solution (FIGS.12-18), the plate5has a pair of cylindrical posts15(but they might have a transverse cross-section of any type), which extend from the second face5band are inserted in respective circular holes16provided along the surface region2a(with a center distance equal to that of the posts15and a diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the posts). The plate5is welded permanently to the shell2at the free ends15aof the posts15, which protrude inside the shell2.

During the assembly step, therefore, the posts15of the plate5, provided previously, are inserted in the holes16until the second face5b(carrying the tags4a,4b) rests against the surface region2a. By virtue of a convenient sizing, after resting has occurred the posts15protrude from the profile of the shell2, inside the compartment3, and their ends15acan thus be welded to said shell2(and optionally riveted on the latter), in order to improve the permanent anchoring of the plate5to the shell2.

In a third constructive option (FIGS.19-25), the plate5has a pair of mutually parallel ridges17, which extend from the second face5b(like the posts15). The ridges17have, on respective sides, a transverse tooth17a. The ridges17are inserted by elastic forcing in respective slits18provided along the surface region2a, with the interlocking coupling of the teeth17ain respective slots provided along the thickness of the shell2(or the teeth17acan exit on the opposite side and prevent extraction anyway). The plate5is welded permanently to the shell2at the free tops17bof the ridges17, which protrude inside the shell2.

In a manner similar to what has been observed for the previous constructive solution, during the assembly step the ridges17of the plate5provided previously, are inserted in the slits18until the second face5b(provided with the tags4a,4b) rests against the surface region2a. By virtue of an appropriate sizing, once resting has occurred the ridges17protrude at least by a few millimeters (for example six millimeters) from the profile of the shell2, inside the compartment3, and their tops17bcan thus be welded to said shell2(and optionally riveted on the latter), in order to complete the permanent anchoring of the plate5to the shell2.

In a further constructive option (FIGS.26-32), which does not exhaust the possibilities that in any case are within the protective scope claimed herein, the plate5is anchored to the region2aby means of a plurality of permanent connecting elements19, such as screws (self-tapping or not), nails, rivets, and the like. The elements19are inserted in respective orifices20provided along the plate5and in corresponding openings21provided along the shell2.

With reference to the various embodiments introduced in the previous paragraphs, it should be stressed that recesses14and holes are sometimes already present or provided in commercially available containers (and in the molds that provide them), for example in order to couple thereto it simple (paper) label holders or accessories of another kind. In this case, therefore, it is possible to use the existing molds to produce containers1according to the disclosure, allowing the same manufacturing company to market products provided with the new and peculiar functionalities offered by the tags4a,4bwith minimal adaptations and impact on the facilities and on the cycle for production and assembly.

Positively, in a possible practical solution, the first face5ahas at least one pair of protruding lugs22, which are arranged at respective end portions of the plate5. The lugs22have respective accommodation channels23for corresponding articulation pivots of the handle10, which is therefore (indirectly) coupled to the shell2indeed by virtue of the plate5(with consequent and advantageous containment of the number of components in the bill of materials).

It should be noted that in the accompanying figures the lugs22are proposed only in relation to one of the various options shown: it is not excluded, in any case, to provide them for others among the ones shown or for yet others.

The use of the container according to the disclosure is thus evident from what has been observed so far.

The container1can be used according to traditional methods in order to store in the compartment3objects of any type, which the user can carry with him during trips of various kinds and for different purposes.

In the meantime, the presence of one or more electronic tags4a,4boffers diversified and always new possibilities of interaction with a subject provided with a reader, or in any case with an electronic device (fixed or mobile, even of a known type) indeed capable of interacting with the container1via a contactless information transmission technology, such as RFID, NFC, and similar technologies.

The electronic tags4a,4bare kept interposed between the region2aand the second face5bof the plate5(permanently anchored to the shell2), and are therefore arranged in a position that is not accessible (except by causing severe damage to the container1, which remains thus easily identifiable and thus immediately indicates tampering to the designated user). This placement thus discourages attempts at tampering and ensures suitable protection thereof.

At the same time, since each electronic tag4a,4bis located on the plate5, placed outside the shell2and having typically a thickness of a few centimeters, when the designated RFID/NFC (or other) reader is moved closer to the container1, the tag4a,4bis certainly within its operating range, and the shell2does not interfere in any way. Therefore, the chosen placement allows easy interaction with external readers.

More generally, by virtue of the disclosure an optimum placement is found for the tag4a,4b, ensuring on the one hand an easy interaction with other devices and on the other hand acting as a valid deterrent against attempts at tampering by malicious third parties.

It should be noted also that the plate5allows (on the opposite side with respect to the tags4a,4b) the introduction of identification elements7in the pocket formed between the first face5aand the plaque6: therefore, the component (indeed the plate5) that carries the tags4a,4bis the same one that carries the element7, with containment of the overall number of components. Moreover, often known containers are already designed and built for receiving label holder accessories (or others), and it is therefore possible to use the provisions that are present (optionally with minimal adaptations) to assemble the plate5on them, thus making them conform to the disclosure.

The chosen placement therefore allows easy assembly, even by providing simple modifications to facilities and processes for producing existing or already commercially available containers.

The disclosure thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In the examples of embodiment shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be replaced with other different characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiment.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102018000010999 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.