GB2428235A

GB2428235A - Suitcase

Info

Publication number: GB2428235A
Application number: GB0514520A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip Pain; Natasha Gibbs; Andrew Pain; Michael Pain; Robert Pain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-14
Filing date: 2005-07-14
Publication date: 2007-01-24
Also published as: GB0514520D0

Abstract

A suitcase (10) comprises a body (12) and a frame (14), the body (12) including a rigid base, and the frame (14) being movable from a first position contained within the suitcase when the suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from the suitcase when the suitcase is open. The body (12) may have a lid (18) having a cushion (20) attached and may be provided with wheels, which may have means for attaching wheels of a larger diameter. The frame (14) may include a shield portion supporting a canopy or a tent portion supporting a tent and an insulated and lockable compartment may be provided. The suitcase (10) may function as a lounger.

Description

1 2428235

DESCRIPTION

SUITCASE

This invention relates to a suitcase.

According to the present invention, there is provided a suitcase comprising a body and a frame, said body including a rigid base, and said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a suitcase that can be easily used, for example, as a sun lounger when the frame is folded out, but is lightweight and can still be used to carry clothes and the like when the frame is is folded back into the suitcase. The rigid base of the suitcase supports the frame and protects the design from damage. The entire body of the suitcase may be rigid.

The lounger/suitcase is designed to allow the user to have a comfortable place to sit or lie down when on holiday. The basis is a very light suitcase made from plastic composite material or lightweight metal. The lounger is a lightweight structure that folds up and is stowed inside the suitcase lid, which allows access to the luggage compartment for clothes. The lounger can be removed if the user wanted to use it just as a conventional suitcase.

A third configuration is as a sunshade, to protect the user from the sun with a parasol/windbreaker that can be fitted on either side of the lounger, into two of four sockets that are integral to the suitcase. This allows easy access to the lounger and the parasol/windbreaker can be moved to the other side of the suitcase when the position of the sun changes.

A fourth configuration is to use the parasol/windbreaker as a one man tent.

There is a means of locking the lounger in the open position to help prevent casual theft by folding the suitcase up and walking off with the suitcase when it is unattended, Inside the suitcase there is a lockable, insulated compartment to safeguard valuables whilst the owner is away and to store cold drinks.

Another option for the lounger/suitcase would be larger wheels covered with foam filled tyres that would allow it to be pulled over rougher terrain.

These wheels would be attached to the existing wheels via one quarter turn fasteners.

Owing to the lightweight construction the suitcase will have the provision to fit straps to the underside of the suitcase to allow the user to carry the suitcase on their back if desired. To allow the case to be used by bicycle riders a towing handle can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a side view of a suitcase with a frame folded out, Figure 2 is a side view of the suitcase, with the frame folded in and the suitcase closed, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the suitcase in an open position, with the frame not yet folded out, Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of the suitcase, with the frame folded out and a sun shade provided, Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the suitcase of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of the suitcase, with the frame folded out and a tent provided, Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the suitcase, with the frame folded out and the tent provided, and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the suitcase.

Figure 1 shows a suitcase 10, which comprises a body 12 and a frame 14. The body 12 includes a rigid base 16. The frame 14 is movable from a first position contained within the suitcase 10 when the suitcase 10 is closed, to a second position (shown in Figure 1) extending from the suitcase 10 when the suitcase 10 is open. The body 12 includes a lid 18, the lid 18 having a cushion attached thereto.

The suitcase 10 is design to function as a conventional suitcase, and can be used to carry clothes and the like in the conventional manner. The suitcase 10 has four uses however, and can be used as a suitcase, a lounger, a sun shade or a tent. In Figure 1, the suitcase 10 is shown open with the lid 18 pulled back for use as a headrest (with the cushion 20), and with the frame 14 extended. The frame 14 supports a fabric sheet that is used to support the weight of a user when they lying on the lounger. Figure 2 shows the suitcase in its closed configuration.

Figure 3 shows the suitcase 10 after it has been opened, but before the frame 14 has been moved from its stowed position in the lid 18 of the suitcase 10. As can be seen, the body 12 of the suitcase 10 provides storage space for the user's possessions. The body 12 is provided with a pair of wheels 22, one on each corner of the rigid base 16, for use when the suitcase 10 is closed, and the user wishes to pull the suitcase 10, rather than carry it.

Figures 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of the suitcase 10, which in addition to the extendable frame 14, is provided with a shield portion 24 which supports a canopy 26. The canopy 26 extends over and above the body 12 of the suitcase 10. The canopy 26 is provided to protect the user from the sun, and can be fitted on either side of the lounger, into two sockets that are integral to the suitcase 10. This allows easy access to the lounger and the parasol/windbreaker can be moved when the position of the sun changes. The shield portion 24 and the canopy 26 can be stowed in the suitcase 10 when not in use and carried in the suitcase 10.

Figures 6 and 7 show a fourth embodiment of the suitcase 10, in which the frame 14 includes a tent portion 28 supporting a tent 30. The tent version of the suitcase can be based on a totally separate tent cover, or the canopy 26 can be so designed that it can be adadpted for use as a tent. This tent 30 would be stowed in the suitcase 10 for transportation. There are numerous 4 - applications for this version including campers/walkers/scouts anglers (all the rods and tackle fit inside), shelter for the homeless (they would have a roof over their head, somewhere for their possession.s and they could take the case (M) with them), the army (made from KevlarLfor optimum strength), outdoor concerts and festivals (it wouldn't matter if it rained and a user would have their own personal space), bicycle riders (when fitted with a towing attachment) and also as help for disaster victims. The suitcase 10 could be filled with food and a sleeping bag, stored and airlifted to emergency areas.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the suitcase 10, where each wheel 22 of the pair of wheels is provided with means for attaching a second wheel 32 of a larger diameter. This optional rough terrain wheel 32 can be fastened to the normal wheel 22 by using quarter turn fasteners. Other fixing methods such as three bolts to engage with three holes on the normal wheel 22 can be used.

The suitcase 10 provides the following unique features. The suitcase 10 operates as a multi functional travel and leisure companion that can be of use when a user arrives at a holiday resort, unlike an ordinary case. It can be used to relax at the airport if a user's flight is delayed. The case 10 has the capability to use its parasol either as a sun shade or as a tent. The case is a structural part which helps reduce the weight. The lounger part can be removed leaving a standard case. Because of its lightweight design, the suitcase 10 can be carried on the user's back, which is useful when walking over rough ground or up stairs. The suitcase 10 supports a change of function by adding large wheels. It is lockable when open to help deter theft. The case 10 can be used as a lounger even when the case is full of clothes, because the user's belongings would not have to be removed for the lounger to be used. A complete home from home is provided not just a case or lounger. It provides a dry and shaded environment, somewhere to sleep, somewhere to store ones clothes and a secure insulated space to store valuables and the case 10 can be taken with a user wherever they go.

Claims

1. A suitcase comprising a body and a frame, said body including a rigid base, and said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open.

2. A suitcase according to claim 1, wherein said body includes a lid, said lid having a cushion attached thereto.

3. A suitcase according to claim I or 2, wherein said body has a pair of wheels attached thereto.

4. A suitcase according to claim 3, wherein each wheel of said pair of wheels is provided with means for attaching a second wheel of a larger diameter.

5. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame includes a shield portion supporting a canopy.

6. A suitcase according to claim 5, wherein a portion of said canopy extends over and above said body.

7. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame includes a tent portion supporting a tent.

8. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame supports a body-supporting portion.

9. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a locking device for locking said frame in said second position. 6 -

10. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame, in said second position, does not enter the space defined by said body of said suitcase.

II. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame is removably mounted on said body.

12. A suitcase according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a compartment in said body of said suitcase, said compartment being insulated and lockable.

13. A suitcase substantiality as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.